Tel aviv: Israeli President Isaac Herzog has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement with Gaza prior to his visit to Washington for discussions with US officials. Herzog's appeal came during a meeting with Netanyahu on Sunday, just hours before Netanyahu's scheduled departure to the US for a meeting with President Donald Trump.
According to Anadolu Agency, Herzog emphasized the significance of Netanyahu's US visit as a crucial step towards advancing a deal to secure the release of hostages. In a statement from Herzog's office, he underscored that this political endeavor could potentially pave the way for substantial regional developments, although he refrained from offering specific details. Herzog also noted the importance of using this opportunity to strengthen Israel's relations with other countries.
While Herzog acknowledged the potential costs and concerns associated with a deal involving the Palestinian group Hamas, he expressed confidence in the Security Cabinet and security establishment's ability to address these challenges. Meanwhile, reports from the Yedioth Ahronot newspaper indicate that Netanyahu's departure to Washington is scheduled for 5 pm local time (1400 GMT) on Sunday.
In a related development, Hamas announced late Friday that it had provided a 'positive' response to mediators concerning a recent proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Tel Aviv estimates that approximately 50 hostages are being held, with 20 believed to be in Gaza. Additionally, over 10,400 Palestinians are reportedly detained in Israeli prisons, facing severe conditions including torture, starvation, and medical neglect, leading to numerous deaths as reported by Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations and media outlets.
Despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has continued its military actions in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than 57,400 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since October 2023. The International Criminal Court had previously issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is also confronting a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.