The American newspaper "New York Times" reported that an Israeli military official stated that discussions between the United States and Qatar indicate that the Hamas movement may release around 50 dual nationality prisoners in its custody. The newspaper also quoted a source familiar with the negotiations regarding Israeli prisoners held by Palestinian resistance, mediated by Qatar, stating that Hamas warned that a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip would reduce the chances of releasing the prisoners.
It noted that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not answer a question posed during a television interview with CBS News on Sunday about whether the United States had asked Israel to postpone the ground invasion of Gaza to allow more time for negotiations regarding the prisoners. However, Blinken confirmed that Washington had advised the Israelis on the Gaza incursion.
Israeli army radio reported on Monday that Tel Aviv agreed to Washington's request to delay the ground invasion of Gaza until additional American forces arrived in the area. The radio stated that the United States had informed Israel that it planned to send more troops to the Middle East in preparation for the ground maneuver, due to fears of Iranian attacks against its forces in the region. Additionally, the "New York Times" indicated, citing informed sources, that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin conveyed Washington's advice to Israel to postpone its ground operation in the strip.
