IDF will remain in Gaza: Netanyahu

Tel Aviv (Uttam Hindu News): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel will not end the ongoing war with Hamas and that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will remain in Gaza. Netanyahu on Wednesday night rejected speculation that Israel would end the war. Speaking to media persons, he said there was speculation in the media that Israel would end the war in Gaza, but he said this was a “lie” and “Israel’s plan to eliminate Hamas” and “turn Gaza into a We have to create such a place which will not be a threat to Israel.”

Commenting on ongoing negotiations brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the US regarding the release of Israeli hostages in Hamas custody, Netanyahu said a hostage agreement was being worked on. But, he said Israel would not completely stop the war and added, “We are working on another framework for the release of the hostages.” It is noteworthy that active mediation talks are going on at various places between Qatar, Egypt and America for the release of Israeli hostages.

A one-month ceasefire is planned and according to Israel Defense Ministry sources, the hostages will be released in a phased manner, with elderly, sick and female hostages being released first. In the second phase, captured female IDF soldiers will be released and in the last phase all hostages, including male soldiers, will be released. While Hamas is pushing for a complete halt to the war, Israel has rejected this, according to sources.