Israeli PM Netanyahu Signals Shift in Approach to Gaza Conflict

In a notable change in strategy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Tel Aviv is open to reaching an agreement with Hamas to “end the fight” in Gaza. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) revealed that the hostage negotiation team in Doha has explored “all possibilities” for a temporary truce or even a lasting peace.

The PMO mentioned that the team is considering a comprehensive plan to resolve the conflict, which includes the full surrender and exile of all hostages and Hamas operatives in Gaza.

“At this moment, Doha’s negotiation team is actively working to explore all the potential for a deal aimed at concluding the battle, including the release of all hostages, exile of Hamas operatives, and disarming the Gaza Strip, as outlined in Witkov’s framework,” stated an official release from his office.

Israel reports that there are still 58 hostages held by Hamas, with approximately 23 believed to be alive.

This signal to seek an end to the war marks a significant policy shift for Israel. Previously, Israel had maintained that the conflict would not cease until Hamas was eliminated as both a military force and governing body. Since early March, Israel has even approved measures to restrict medical, food, and fuel aid to Gaza as a tactic to pressure Hamas regarding the release of hostages, along with plans to gain control over the entire Gaza Strip.

Hamas’s Response

Hamas has announced that US-supported Egyptian-Qatari mediators initiated a new round of indirect ceasefire talks on Saturday, proposing to release hostages in exchange for an Israeli ceasefire.

However, various reports from Israeli and Arab media have described how Hamas leader Mohamed Singhwar’s presence has muddled the ceasefire discussions, without offering confirmation from either side about the situation.

Israeli strikes overnight reportedly resulted in at least 100 Palestinian deaths across Gaza, with no immediate comments from the Israeli military. Since Thursday, Israeli forces have killed hundreds in preparation for a new ground offensive aimed at establishing “operational control” in certain areas of Gaza.

Public Pressure on Netanyahu

In Israel, Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, has accused Netanyahu of using political interests as a reason to prolong the war instead of seeking to free the remaining hostages.

“The Israeli government remains focused on only partial agreements. They are intentionally making it difficult for us. They already brought back our children! All 58 people,” Zangauker expressed in a post on the X social media platform.