Tel Aviv: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has expressed strong disapproval regarding the potential signing of a partial hostage exchange agreement with the Palestinian group Hamas. Smotrich has labeled such an agreement as 'foolish' and cautioned against releasing pressure on Hamas, which he claims is currently under significant strain.
According to Anadolu Agency, Smotrich conveyed through a post on X that due to changes in the aid distribution system and Hamas's diminishing control over the population in Gaza, the group is facing heightened distress. Smotrich emphasized the necessity to maintain pressure and compel Hamas to agree to a comprehensive surrender deal involving the release of all hostages simultaneously. He argued that any partial deal providing Hamas with an opportunity to recover would be unwise.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar indirectly addressed Smotrich's comments, noting that Israel had responded positively to a US proposal for hostage release 11 days prior, yet Hamas has not accepted the offer. Sa'ar stressed the importance of pursuing any chance to release hostages, reflecting the consensus among the Israeli populace. He urged actions to align with national interests, rather than succumbing to political pressure.
Earlier reports from Israel's public broadcaster KAN indicated that Israeli officials engaged in indirect negotiations with Hamas have observed a 'positive development' towards a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza. Unnamed Israeli officials involved in the discussions described the forthcoming days as 'extremely critical.' Foreign sources noted that if Israel demonstrates flexibility regarding the war's conclusion, an agreement could be finalized imminently.
Hamas has proposed the release of Israeli captives concurrently with an end to the war, Israeli troop withdrawal, and the liberation of Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted these conditions, advocating instead for the disarmament of Palestinian resistance groups and possibly reoccupying Gaza.
Currently, Israel estimates that 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. In contrast, over 10,100 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons under severe conditions, including allegations of torture and neglect, as reported by Palestinian and Israeli rights organizations.
Critics, including Israeli opposition members and hostage families, have accused Netanyahu of extending the conflict to satisfy his far-right coalition partners and retain political power. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has continued its offensive in Gaza since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 54,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children.
The International Criminal Court previously issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions against civilians in the region.