Israel says prisoner exchange deal will not end Gaza aggression

The Israeli occupation stressed that it reserves the right to resume its military operations in the Gaza Strip until all the defined objectives of its assault on the blockaded strip are achieved, regardless of the conditions agreed in a possible prisoner exchange deal with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Sunday.

Netanyahu’s office stressed that any agreement would allow the Israeli occupation to continue its military efforts until the full objectives of the war of attrition in Gaza are achieved.

“The prime minister continues to insist on the principles already accepted by Israel,” the statement read. “Any agreement will allow Israel to resume fighting until all the objectives of the war are achieved.”

The statement also states that the Israeli occupation would suppress the Resistance’s supply lines.

The agreed plan, which also received the support of US President Joe Biden, aims to ensure the return of Israeli captives in the occupied Palestinian territories without compromising other objectives.

“The plan that has been accepted by Israel and welcomed by President Biden will allow Israel to return the hostages without undermining other war objectives,” the statement concluded.

The statement is an attempt by Netanyahu’s office to appease his far-right supporters, who are largely opposed to any ceasefire in Gaza, supporting and cheering the genocide of the Palestinian people, while trying to appease liberal protesters demanding an end to hostilities that are contingent on the return of Israeli captives.

Biden wants deal urgently

Biden advocated for a resolution to secure the release of Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance and an end to the war in Gaza, which polarized opinion against him. Although Biden claimed that his latest proposal had Israeli approval and the disapproval of the Islamic Resistance Movement – Hamas, the actual statements and actions of both sides showed the opposite.

The latest talks between US and Israeli officials were aimed at facilitating the conclusion of an agreement, particularly after the defeat of Hamas. a positive feedback which was submitted to the mediators on Wednesday.

A senior White House official said Axios Biden told Netanyahu it was time to seal the deal, which would secure the release of the hostages and help achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

However, Netanyahu told Biden during their call that his government remains committed to ending the war on Gaza only after achieving its war goals. These goals include the complete uprooting of the Palestinian resistance’s military capabilities and civilian governance of the Gaza Strip.

According to AxiosThe White House sees this as a crucial moment to advance negotiations and finalize a deal, which the news site said would be a major foreign policy victory for Biden, who has faced growing criticism after a presidential debate with Donald Trump.

After receiving Hamas’ comments on the proposed deal, Israeli officials said the latest development addresses key issues in Articles 8 and 14 of the proposal.