Tel aviv: Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli Democratic Party, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing a prisoner swap and ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Golan has demanded that the government be toppled, claiming that Netanyahu's actions are politically motivated and detrimental to the lives of hostages and soldiers.

According to Anadolu Agency, Golan's accusations are supported by a recent investigation by The New York Times, which suggests that Netanyahu, along with Finance Minister Bazalel Yoel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, is preventing a deal to maintain political power. Golan criticized the trio as an "extreme minority" dragging the country into chaos and insisted that the government must be brought down to save lives and protect the nation.

The controversy follows an announcement by Hamas on Wednesday, stating its willingness to release 10 living Israeli captives to demonstrate "flexibility" toward a ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement. However, Israel remains inflexible on key issues, including its demand for a buffer zone in the Rafah area and other border regions.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has continued its offensive on Gaza since late October 2023, resulting in the deaths of nearly 58,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children. The ongoing bombardment has devastated the enclave, causing severe food shortages and the spread of disease.

In a related development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.