Move comes after understanding that Hamas is not interested in a deal; the source’s comments came as relatives of the captives criticised reports of expanded military operations in Gaza and slammed Netanyahu’s video statement reacting to harrowing hostage footage, which suggested there was no ceasefire hostage deal in sight
People search the rubble for victims following an Israeli military strike in Mirka village, on Monday. PIC/AFP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for the release of hostages through a “decisive military victory” as an understanding forms that Hamas is not interested in a deal, a diplomatic source said.
The source’s comments came as relatives of the captives criticised reports of expanded military operations in Gaza and slammed Netanyahu’s video statement reacting to harrowing hostage footage, which suggested there was no ceasefire hostage deal in sight.
“In an understanding that Hamas is not interested in a deal” the source said “the prime minister is pushing for the release of hostages through decisive military victory, combined with the entry of humanitarian aid to areas outside the combat zone, and, as much as possible, outside of Hamas control.”
The source added that Israel is in contact with the Americans, noting US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s comments that Washington wants to end the Gaza war rather than expand it, and is no longer interested in partial hostage deals. Israel is expected to decide this week whether to intensify its Gaza offensive or allow more time for a potential deal even at the risk of harm to hostages. The decision is reportedly dividing Israel’s security cabinet.
While Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz remain undecided, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Military Secretary Maj Gen Roman Gofman, and Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs are in favor of expanding the fighting.
In contrast IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Shas leader Aryeh Deri, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, Mossad chief David Barnea, the Shin Bet negotiator and Maj Gen Nitzan Alon, who is handling the hostage portfolio, oppose the move.
‘We want Israel to get them fed’
US President Donald Trump said that he wants Israel to feed the hungry people of Gaza. “We want the people fed — and we’re the only country that’s really doing that. We’re putting up money to get the people fed... We want Israel to get them fed,” Trump said.
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