(Ynet News) Avi Issacharoff - The top leadership of Hamas has stated that renewed negotiations for a prisoner and hostage exchange would only be possible after a complete cessation of hostilities, including the withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza. Israel's willingness to present Hamas with an improved proposal for a hostage deal was interpreted by Hamas as weakness and an opportunity for extortion. Hamas seeks the release of "high-profile" terrorists with blood on their hands. However, Hamas' aspirations seem to lack a firm grip on reality. Sinwar and his cohorts have not fully grasped that the Israeli public will not accept anything less than the dismantling of Hamas rule in Gaza. The IDF continues to achieve significant military gains daily. The writer, a veteran Israeli journalist focusing on Palestinian affairs, is one of the creators of the TV series "Fauda."
2023-12-22 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive