An aide to Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel has accepted a framework deal, which was announced by US President Biden, for winding down the war on Gaza.
In an interview with the UK’s Sunday Times, Ophir Falk, Netanyahu’s chief foreign policy adviser, said Biden’s proposal was “a deal we agreed to – it’s not a good deal but we dearly want the hostages released, all of them”.
“There are a lot of details to be worked out,” he said, adding that Israel’s conditions include “the release of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas as a genocidal terrorist organisation”.
Later on Sunday, the US State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate phone calls about the ceasefire proposal with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet member Benny Gantz.
The State Department said that in the call with Gallant, Blinken “commended Israel’s readiness to conclude a deal” and “underscored that the proposal would advance Israel’s long-term security interests, including by enabling the possibility of further integration in the region”.
An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described a proposed ceasefire as “not a good deal,” but confirmed that Israel will accept it. Despite reservations about the terms, the decision to agree to the ceasefire underscores the mounting international pressure and the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This acceptance may pave the way for a temporary halt in the violence, allowing for the delivery of much-needed aid to affected areas and opening the door for further diplomatic efforts to achieve a more lasting peace. The situation remains complex, with both sides having significant concerns about the ceasefire’s implications and future stability in the region.
To read more detailed coverage check out the source of this news: