Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected the idea of releasing a large number of prisoners or withdrawing troops from Gaza as part of any potential hostage-exchange or cease-fire agreement with Hamas. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel remains committed to its objectives, which include eliminating Hamas, ensuring the safe return of all hostages, and preventing future threats from Gaza.
During a speech to young men at a pre-army program, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not withdraw the IDF from the Gaza Strip or release thousands of prisoners. He stated, “We will not withdraw the IDF from the Gaza Strip, and we will not release thousands of prisoners. None of this will happen.”
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s unwavering commitment to its goals in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. These goals involve dismantling Hamas, securing the safe return of hostages, and preventing Gaza from posing a future threat to Israel.
Netanyahu’s remarks were in response to reports that discussions on a prisoner-for-hostage exchange had taken place, involving officials from Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and Israel, with the aim of achieving a cease-fire in the nearly four-month-long conflict.
Hamas continues to hold more than 100 individuals in Gaza, who were captured during an attack on Israel in October. While approximately 110 hostages were released during a previous cease-fire, this release came in exchange for three times as many Palestinian prisoners.
Information shared on Telegram indicated that a potential cease-fire deal discussed at a Paris Summit involved the release of 100-250 Palestinian prisoners for each hostage, with an initial stage releasing 35 hostages over a 45-day period.
In response to these developments, Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh expressed that Hamas is carefully considering the proposal from the Paris Summit.
