Peace Agreement on the Gaza Strip: Netanyahu voices key demand

Any ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip must allow Israel to resume hostilities until its objectives are met.

This was stated by Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, RBC-Ukraine reports with reference to Reuters.

The head of the government insists that a potential agreement should not prevent Israel from resuming hostilities until its military goals are achieved - the elimination of Hamas' military and leadership potential, as well as the return of hostages.

"The plan agreed to by Israel and welcomed by President Biden will allow Israel to return the hostages without compromising other war aims," ​​Netanyahu said.

He said the deal should also ban the smuggling of weapons to Hamas across the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and should not allow thousands of armed militants to return to the north of the region.

Late on Sunday, Netanyahu is due to hold consultations on the next steps in negotiations on the three-phase plan presented in May by US President Joe Biden, brokered by Qatar and Egypt.

A Palestinian official close to the talks said the proposal could lead to a framework agreement if accepted by Israel and end the war.

"We have left our answer to the mediators and are waiting for the answer from the occupation authorities," one of the two Hamas representatives said in an interview with Reuters.

Another Palestinian official familiar with the ceasefire talks said Israel was in talks with Qatari officials and that a response was expected within days.

The source of the Reuters agency reported that on Wednesday, July 10, CIA Director William Burns will meet in Doha with the Prime Minister of Qatar, the heads of Israeli and Egyptian intelligence.

Egypt's Al Qahera News TV reported that Burns will also visit Cairo next week with an Israeli delegation.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 08/07/2024