Netanyahu hints at new negotiations with Hamas to exchange prisoners
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to hint on Saturday that new negotiations are underway to release hostages held by Hamas.
This came after the head of the Israeli intelligence service (Mossad) met with the Prime Minister of Qatar, in Norway.
In a televised news conference, a day after Israeli forces mistakenly killed three of more than 100 hostages held by Hamas, Netanyahu described the conflict in Gaza as an existential war that must be fought to victory despite the pressures and costs.
Netanyahu said that the Gaza Strip would be a demilitarized zone and under Israeli security control.
He added that the Israeli attack on Gaza helped reach a partial agreement to release the hostages in November.
“The instructions I give to the negotiating team are based on this pressure, without which we have nothing,” he said.
Netanyahu’s statements came after an informed source said that Mossad chief David Barnea met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani in late Friday evening, with attention turning to a possible new truce in Gaza and an agreement to exchange detainees.
During the press conference, Netanyahu evaded answering a question about the meeting, saying that he wouldn’t reveal information to Hamas.
He added that Israel had received requests for a ceasefire and withdrawal of forces during the talks on Gaza, but it wouldn’t do so.
Israel bombed targets across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, but two Egyptian security sources said that Israeli officials now appear more open to reaching a new ceasefire agreement and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of those detained by Hamas.
