Tel Aviv - Israel is open to considering another brief cease-fire under the condition that an agreement is reached with Hamas for the return of the 137 hostages still held captive.
The primary objectives of the conflict include securing the release of all individuals seized by Hamas and other armed groups on October 7, alongside dismantling the Islamist militant group, according to Eylon Levy, an Israeli government spokesman.
Recently, the National Review stated that Israel recalled its negotiating team from Qatar after talks with Hamas reached a "dead end." The decision followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's instructions, with Mossad head David Barnea directing the team to return home. This move was attributed to Hamas's failure to fulfill its obligations, including the release of all women and children specified in the agreement.
During the preceding seven-day cease-fire ending on December 1, Hamas returned 110 hostages out of the 240 taken during a terror attack on Israel. In exchange, Israel released about three times as many Palestinian prisoners, as reported by Bloomberg.
Hamas, classified as a terror group by the US and EU, faced accusations from Israel for the breakdown in talks, citing its failure to return all women and children. The exact status of 20 women, two boys, and 115 men among the remaining hostages remains unknown, with Hamas not providing information on their well-being.
According to the National Reporter, Hamas blamed Israel for the breakdown and accused them of refusing offers to release other detainees during extended truce negotiations. Qatar played a diplomatic role in brokering the last cease-fire, while Israel defended its actions amid criticism for alleged casualties in Gaza, emphasizing efforts to protect civilians.
Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesman, expressed dismay at the perception of Israel's attempts to protect civilians being disregarded. Additionally, there is confirmation of Israeli government plans to target Hamas leaders for assassination, even in countries like Qatar and Turkey.
Levy asserted, "Every Hamas terrorist is a dead man walking," emphasizing Israel's commitment to bringing individuals planning violence against the Jewish people to justice, regardless of their location.