Israel considers postponing ultimate Gaza attack in return for hostages

Israel has announced a potential delay in its planned assault on Hamas’s last stronghold in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages. The proposal, brokered by Egypt and Israel, would involve a ceasefire and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in return for the release of two to three dozen Israelis captured during a recent attack by Hamas.

The Israeli government has begun preparations for the evacuation of Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, ahead of the anticipated assault. However, Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that the operation could be postponed if a ceasefire-for-hostage deal is reached.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing, with the US, Qatar, and Egypt mediating. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the campaign until “total victory” over Hamas is achieved, despite opposition leaders and families of the hostages urging for their release.

Hamas, on the other hand, has demanded a complete end to the fighting and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. The latest Egyptian proposal aims to bridge these differences by offering a partial hostage release in exchange for a temporary ceasefire.

The situation has garnered international attention, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing concerns over the potential consequences of an Israeli assault on Rafah. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on the US to intervene and prevent the attack, warning of catastrophic outcomes for the Palestinian people.

As tensions escalate and diplomatic efforts continue, the fate of the hostages and the future of the conflict in Gaza remain uncertain. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.