Israel will continue striking Hamas targets in Gaza to secure the release of hostages, according to a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke on Saturday. Ophir Falk, Netanyahu’s foreign policy adviser, stated that military pressure was instrumental in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table during the first truce in November 2023, which saw the release of 80 hostages. He emphasized that this approach is the most effective way to secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages.
Falk explained that after a period of calm following a ceasefire in January, Israel resumed air strikes and ground troop deployments after efforts to extend the truce failed. He did not provide specific details on negotiations to restore the ceasefire but mentioned that Israel had accepted proposals for an extended truce through Ramadan and Passover.
While Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire terms, Israel has defended its actions, citing Hamas’s misuse of humanitarian aid. Palestinian health authorities report significant casualties from the renewed air strikes and ground operations.
Calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian access have come from European and Arab countries, but Israel has blocked the entry of aid, accusing Hamas of diverting it for its own use. The ongoing conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread devastation in Gaza.
