Israel could begin negotiations with Hamas over the release of the hostages kidnapped in the October 7 attack. A particularly sensitive agreement that was apparently blocked by Hamas after it was “opened” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The first indiscretion regarding the possible agreement came from the USA. A Biden administration official spoke of a deal that called for the release of about 80 women and children in exchange for Palestinian women and children detained by Israel. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan later said that “active discussions are ongoing between Israel and Qatar, which communicates with Hamas” and that “the United States is involved in these discussions.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanayahu himself admitted that “there could be a possible agreement to release about 239 hostages held by Hamas.” “I think the less I say, the better the chances of the deal going through,” Netanyahu said. A possibility that, however, seems to be a long way off, at least for now. In fact, due to the Israeli raids on the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, Hamas has announced that it plans to suspend negotiations for the release of the hostages in its hands.
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In addition, the situation in the hospitals in the Gaza Strip is the situation that has caused the greatest concern in the international community and has led the Palestinian authorities to speak of a “prolonged catastrophe”. In particular, there is heavy fighting near al-Shifa, the largest hospital center in the Gaza Strip, which Palestinian authorities say has resulted in the facility being “not operational,” impacting patients. At least twelve victims in hospital, including two newborns, due to lack of electricity. Netanyahu said he offered fuel for the facility, but Hamas declined. The hospital’s director, Abu Salmiya, said medical staff and patients were ready for immediate evacuation from the hospital “if Israel allows it.” At the same time, the prime minister said that Israel is doing everything possible to enable the evacuation of civilians and hospital patients and to open humanitarian corridors including from major hospitals. But once again, according to Netanyahu, it is Hamas that is “endangering” the people of Gaza.
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The Israeli prime minister also addressed United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calling on Hamas to respect international law and not blame Israel solely for the civilian deaths. In return, Guterres said he had spoken to the Iranian authorities to urge them to persuade Hamas to release the hostages “immediately and unconditionally,” adding that the “horrible things” Hamas had committed were “not as.” grounds for collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”
Meanwhile, the crossfire on the border with Lebanon continues. The Israeli Defense Forces reported an attack in which six civilians were injured. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the rocket attack. The Israeli army then reported another mortar attack, also from Lebanon, in which seven soldiers were injured. Israeli forces said they responded to those attacks, striking several Hezbollah sites and eliminating two other terror cells. After three days of blockade, the Rafah border crossing was finally reopened, allowing several foreigners (around 80) and the wounded Palestinians to leave Gaza and travel to Egypt.