Israeli Military Chief Opposes Continuing War in Gaza
The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, revealed that Herzi Halevi, chief of staff of the Israeli military, has communicated to the cabinet his preference for securing the release of Israeli captives under current conditions, according to a report by webangah News Agency.
The report states Halevi warned Netanyahu’s cabinet that prolonging military operations in Gaza would endanger the lives of Israeli detainees.
Halevi reportedly told Israel’s cabinet that Hamas’s continued weakening through this war remains highly uncertain.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are nearing their final stages, with former U.S. President Donald Trump stating, “We are close to reaching an agreement on Gaza.”
Trump indicated a high likelihood of securing a deal with Hamas for the release of a important number of Israeli prisoners, adding, “There’s a very good chance we’ll reach an agreement with Hamas to free many captives.”
However, two informed Palestinian sources told Reuters that the first round of indirect ceasefire talks between Tel Aviv and Hamas in doha concluded without tangible progress.
These negotiations took place ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s third visit to the U.S. since Donald Trump regained power in Washington.
The Hamas movement had previously shown initial support for Qatar’s proposal involving a 60-day ceasefire and prisoner releases.
10 Zionist captives released, bodies of 18 others handed over as Israeli forces withdraw to buffer zone near Gaza borders; large-scale humanitarian aid transfer observed.
The exchange involved the release of 10 Zionist prisoners and the repatriation of 18 additional captives’ remains, coinciding with the withdrawal of Israeli military forces to a designated buffer zone along Gaza’s borders. The operation also facilitated the extensive delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
