(DDM) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered immediate negotiations for the release of hostages while Israeli troops prepare to launch a full-scale advance on Gaza City.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Netanyahu issued the directive during a high-level security briefing in Tel Aviv, emphasizing that Israel was entering a decisive phase in its military campaign against Hamas.
The Prime Minister declared that Israel’s dual objectives were the safe return of all hostages and the neutralization of Hamas’ capacity to threaten Israeli citizens in the future.
This announcement followed reports that Hamas indicated a willingness to consider a ceasefire earlier in the week, though the group has not publicly confirmed specific conditions.
Netanyahu insisted that any deal must align with Israel’s national security requirements, stressing that premature concessions could embolden militant groups and prolong regional instability.
Israeli forces, supported by airstrikes and heavy artillery, have reportedly reached the outskirts of Gaza City, signaling that a major ground assault could begin within days.
Military strategists believe the upcoming operation will be one of the most intense stages of the conflict, given Gaza City’s dense urban layout and Hamas’ extensive network of underground tunnels.
Defense officials say the assault will focus on dismantling Hamas’ command centers, intercepting weapons supplies, and eliminating high-value targets critical to the group’s operational control.
However, international observers warn that the humanitarian consequences of a full-scale assault could be catastrophic.
The United Nations and the World Health Organization have reported that hospitals in Gaza are near collapse due to fuel shortages, insufficient medical supplies, and rising casualties.
Netanyahu acknowledged the humanitarian crisis but argued that Israeli military action was a necessary response to protect national security and prevent further kidnappings or attacks.
This conflict represents the latest chapter in a long history of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with previous confrontations often ending in fragile ceasefires mediated by Egypt, Qatar, or the United Nations.
The issue of hostage negotiations has been particularly sensitive, as past exchanges have involved complex agreements, including prisoner swaps and temporary truces, which critics say embolden militant groups.
The United States has urged caution, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for “measured action” to avoid escalating civilian casualties while supporting Israel’s right to self-defense.
European Union officials have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian corridors to deliver food, water, and medical aid to Gaza residents.
Netanyahu, however, maintains that sustained military pressure is crucial to ensuring Israel’s security and compelling Hamas to negotiate in good faith.
Tens of thousands of Israeli reservists remain deployed near Gaza, with defense analysts warning that a prolonged urban battle could lead to significant casualties on both sides.
In the meantime, Israeli families of hostages continue to hold public vigils, demanding government action to secure their relatives’ release before military escalation makes negotiations more difficult.
Netanyahu assured the nation that his administration is committed to pursuing hostage talks “relentlessly,” but he underscored that Israel would not halt operations until its security objectives were fully achieved.
International diplomats continue to explore potential mediators, with Egypt and Qatar expected to play pivotal roles given their historical involvement in Israel-Hamas negotiations.
As global pressure mounts, the situation remains volatile, with the possibility of a breakthrough in talks balanced against the looming threat of intensified combat in Gaza City.
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