Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas "above ground and below it," while ensuring the return of all hostages in the Gaza Strip. This declaration comes on the fifth day of a humanitarian ceasefire that includes the fifth batch exchange of prisoners between Israel and Hamas, during a day marked by American-Qatari-Egyptian efforts to extend the truce and expand the exchange.
Netanyahu made his remarks while visiting the technical intelligence unit of the military intelligence agency, stating: "We are committed to completing our tasks; releasing all hostages, destroying Hamas above ground and below it, and ensuring that Gaza will never pose a threat to Israel." His comments followed a call with Mossad Chief David Barnea in Doha, where he had arrived to meet with CIA Director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss the war and ceasefire as well as exchange deals. Egyptian intelligence officials are also participating in ongoing discussions in Qatar regarding the continuation of the truce.
A senior Israeli official noted that Barnea's visit to Qatar is part of Israeli efforts aimed at "securing the release of more Israeli citizens (in Gaza), within the framework of the current ceasefire agreement." Israel intends to proceed with a humanitarian ceasefire for up to ten days, during which they aim to retrieve all women and children, and then resume the war more forcefully to compel Hamas into negotiating a deal concerning the captured soldiers. However, Hamas seeks a longer ceasefire and is willing to negotiate a comprehensive deal that includes stopping the war, on the condition that it involves the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Sources close to Hamas told Al-Sharq Al-Awsat that the movement is working to secure the release of all women and children in Gaza, delivering them until all minors and women in Israeli prisons are released, followed by the release of the elderly and other civilians in exchange for prisoners and an extended ceasefire. They stated that the matter of soldiers would be sidelined unless a major agreement includes the release of all Palestinian detainees, especially those serving life sentences, along with a cessation of hostilities.
In this context, The Wall Street Journal reported that American-Israeli-Egyptian-Qatari discussions in Doha initially focus on extending the Gaza truce for three more days in exchange for the daily release of ten hostages held in Gaza. The report stated that senior Egyptian officials, along with Qatar, are pushing for a longer ceasefire with hopes of developing it into a permanent ceasefire. They noted that subsequent phases of releasing hostages following the women and children would include elderly men, followed by the return of deceased prisoners' bodies. An American official emphasized the need to maintain or increase the current level of aid entering the territory once the ceasefire concludes.
According to the report, Egyptian and Qatari officials underscored the importance of pressing for discussions on a permanent ceasefire that would completely end the war. They indicated that any long-term ceasefire would likely require concessions from both Israel and Hamas that are difficult to accept, such as exchanging Israeli soldiers for thousands of Palestinian detainees. This would necessitate Israel restraining its offensive in southern Gaza to better control the region and eliminate Hamas's top leadership. Nonetheless, officials stated that the current temporary ceasefire is establishing a necessary level of trust for moving forward.
### Resumption of the War is a Matter of Time
Recognizing that negotiations are reaching a complex stage, both sides understand that the resumption of war is imminent. Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi confirmed that "the Israel Defense Forces is preparing to continue fighting in Gaza," utilizing the days of temporary military activity suspension to learn, enhance readiness, and approve operational plans for subsequent phases. He stated: "So far, 76 hostages have been returned home. However, there are children, girls, women, civilians, soldier girls, and soldiers captured by Hamas, a ruthless terrorist organization, who have not yet returned. We feel very relieved with the return of each captive, but it troubles us that some remain there. We will work to bring them all back."
He added: "The return of the hostages is a point of light for all of us. It also serves as a testimony to the results of significant military pressure and high-quality ground maneuvers, which we prepared to create the conditions for our citizens' return home. We will continue to do so."
Before reaching the point of resuming war, the United States clarified to Israel that it should minimize the displacement of Palestinians from their homes during any expansion of the war into southern Gaza. A responsible source in the administration told reporters a night before last: "We cannot witness a level of displacement like we saw before, as no humanitarian aid system can meet the demand that might arise." The emphasis was placed on ensuring that Hamas does not pose a threat to Israel, yet the management of the battle in the south must be conducted differently.
