Tel aviv: Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to accept a current proposal for a prisoner exchange, warning that the occupation of Gaza City poses serious risks to the lives of hostages. The call comes amid rising pressures from Israeli hostage families to reach a deal to secure the release of their loved ones.
According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu ordered immediate negotiations on Thursday for the release of all hostages while continuing plans to occupy Gaza City and relocate its residents. His comments suggest he may be considering a deal under new conditions, as mediators await an official response to an Egyptian-Qatari proposal that aligns with previous Israeli agreements and has been recently accepted by Hamas.
"There is a deal on the table, and it should be taken now," Zamir stated in comments carried by Israeli Channel 13. "The army has provided the conditions for its completion, and the decision is now in Netanyahu's hands." Zamir also reiterated concerns about plans to occupy Gaza City, emphasizing that while the army is capable of the operation, it could seriously endanger hostages' lives.
Hostage families have welcomed Zamir's remarks, with one statement noting that the chief of staff's position reflects the majority of the Israeli public's demand for a comprehensive agreement to return 50 hostages and end the war. Israel estimates that Hamas holds 50 hostages, including 20 alive, while Tel Aviv detains over 10,800 Palestinians amid reports from rights groups of torture and medical neglect.
On Friday, Defense Minister Israel Katz approved army plans for occupying Gaza City, with intentions of heavy fire and population displacement. As reported by Channel 12, the current proposal includes Israeli redeployment near the border to facilitate humanitarian aid, and a temporary 60-day ceasefire during which the swap would occur in two phases: the release of 10 living hostages and 18 Israeli bodies in exchange for Palestinian detainees, along with discussions on permanent ceasefire arrangements.
Israel's military campaign has resulted in nearly 62,700 Palestinian deaths in Gaza since October 2023, devastating the enclave, which is now facing famine. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in the enclave.