On one side, military operations with massive bombings and ground troops deployed around Gaza City; on the other, vague statements about possible negotiations to free hostages and end the war. In a video statement recorded on Thursday, August 21, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his decision to attack Gaza City with the full might of the Israeli military, with the goal of occupying this part of the enclave, described as one of Hamas’s last strongholds.
“At the same time, I have issued instructions to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel,” the prime minister explained, apparently dismissing the ceasefire proposal put forward by Egypt and Qatar, which Hamas accepted on Monday, August 18. That deal included the release of 10 living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a 60-day truce and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
The prime minister emphasized his desire for a comprehensive agreement, rather than the partial ceasefire negotiated by Qatar and Egypt. On this key issue, however, he has in fact continuously shifted his position for months, depending on his political interests – sometimes advocating for a partial agreement and at other times for a comprehensive deal. The previous partial ceasefire, reached in January, was broken by Netanyahu on March 18, just as a second phase of negotiations was set to begin.
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