Jerusalem: Israel continues negotiations with mediators to agree on the Gaza ceasefire deal and the release of hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s adviser Dmitri Gendelman said.
“Negotiations are ongoing to agree on details of the implementation of the framework agreement based on the US proposal put forward in May. This will allow the return of the hostages and the achievement of other goals of the war. Israel appreciates the efforts of the US and the mediating countries aimed at preventing Hamas from disrupting the deal,” Gendelman said on Telegram on Thursday.
He added that “Israel is determined and doing everything possible to return the 101 hostages – all of them, both alive and dead, including women, children and the elderly.”
Gendelman noted that military control over the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt–Gaza border is a strategic issue for Israel’s security.
On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. The IDF launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. The enclave’s health ministry says that the death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has exceeded 40,800
