Israeli authorities presented ideas to expand the military offensive in Gaza and attach parts of the Palestinian territory
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will gather his security office this week to decide on the next steps in the failure of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
Government ministers heard by the local media reported that the prime minister speaks to occupy the entire range of Gaza. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 quoted on Monday a Netanyahu office employee by saying that the government intends to expand the offensive and take the entire Palestinian territory.
Last Saturday (2), during a visit to the country, the US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said he was working with the Israeli government in a plan that would effectively end the war in Gaza. But Israeli authorities also presented ideas, including expanding the military offensive in Gaza and attaching parts of the Palestinian territory.
Failed to ceasefire negotiations in Doha were aimed at closing agreements on a US-backed proposal for a 60-day truce, during which aid would be sent to Gaza and half of the Hamas hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
After Netanyahu met Witkoff last Thursday, an Israeli authority said “an understanding was emerging between Washington and Israel” about the need to change a truce to a comprehensive agreement that would “free all hostages, disarm Hamas and demilitarize Gaza’s strip” – Israel’s main conditions to end the war.
A source familiar with the subject told Reuters news agency on Sunday that the envoy’s visit was seen in Israel as “very significant.” But later, also on Sunday, Israeli authority signaled that the search for an agreement would be useless, threatening to use more strength.
