Israel will agree to a new truce in the Gaza Strip if Hamas releases about half of the hostages. About this informs Reuters.
According to Israeli officials, Israel has proposed a truce for 40 to 50 days. As part of this initiative, about half of the 24 hostages who are believed to be still alive will be released. They have been held captive by militants for almost 18 months.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on March 30 to step up pressure on Hamas, while noting that diplomatic efforts would also continue. Netanyahu has expressed his belief that continued military pressure is the most effective means of returning the hostages. He also reiterated demands on Hamas to disarm, which the militants reject as a “red line” they will not cross.
The prime minister added that as part of a broader settlement that includes US President Donald Trump’s proposals for “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians, Hamas leaders will be allowed to leave the Gaza Strip.
It will be recalled that the previous truce between Israel and Hamas began on January 19. The arrangements involved an exchange: Israel would release detained Palestinians and Hamas would release Israeli hostages. However, the truce did not last long. Due to delays in the release of hostages by Hamas, Israel has resumed strikes on militants in the Gaza Strip.
