Israel's Netanyahu Hints at Temporary Ceasefire Amid Gaza Offensive
The Israeli Prime Minister's statement comes as international pressure mounts regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and following a diplomatic incident in Jenin.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated a willingness to consider a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.
This statement was made during a press conference in Jerusalem amidst growing international criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Netanyahu's comments follow an incident on Wednesday, involving gunfire from the Israeli military during a visit by foreign diplomats to Jenin, an area in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The European Union, United Nations, and several European nations expressed concern over the incident.
The Israeli military explained that the international delegation strayed from an approved route, leading soldiers to fire warning shots to redirect them.
During the press briefing, Netanyahu did not address the Jenin incident directly but confirmed that if a temporary ceasefire could aid in freeing hostages, specifically mentioning that 20 of the 58 hostages are believed to be alive.
He reiterated Israel's objective to gain full control of the Gaza Strip while acknowledging the need to prevent a humanitarian crisis, which he views as essential for maintaining operational freedom.
On a related note, Israel announced the entry of 100 United Nations humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza on Wednesday, following a prolonged blockade lasting over two months.
The aid is reported to include essential supplies such as flour, baby food, and medical equipment.
This development coincides with significant diplomatic actions from the United Kingdom, which suspended free trade negotiations with Israel, and the European Union's decision to reevaluate its association agreement with Israel, supported by 17 member states.
In light of these diplomatic pressures, the Israeli Foreign Ministry responded by asserting that external pressures would not divert Israel from its self-defense path.
The backdrop of these discussions includes the unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 individuals in Israel, predominantly civilians, along with the abduction of 251 people.
In retaliation, Israeli military actions have reportedly led to at least 53,592 fatalities in Gaza, most of whom are also civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, deemed reliable by the UN.
The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it had intercepted a rocket launched from Gaza, coinciding with air raid sirens sounding in southern Israeli regions.
In a separate incident, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported three deaths due to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have continued to target Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire that has been in place since November.
This statement was made during a press conference in Jerusalem amidst growing international criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Netanyahu's comments follow an incident on Wednesday, involving gunfire from the Israeli military during a visit by foreign diplomats to Jenin, an area in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The European Union, United Nations, and several European nations expressed concern over the incident.
The Israeli military explained that the international delegation strayed from an approved route, leading soldiers to fire warning shots to redirect them.
During the press briefing, Netanyahu did not address the Jenin incident directly but confirmed that if a temporary ceasefire could aid in freeing hostages, specifically mentioning that 20 of the 58 hostages are believed to be alive.
He reiterated Israel's objective to gain full control of the Gaza Strip while acknowledging the need to prevent a humanitarian crisis, which he views as essential for maintaining operational freedom.
On a related note, Israel announced the entry of 100 United Nations humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza on Wednesday, following a prolonged blockade lasting over two months.
The aid is reported to include essential supplies such as flour, baby food, and medical equipment.
This development coincides with significant diplomatic actions from the United Kingdom, which suspended free trade negotiations with Israel, and the European Union's decision to reevaluate its association agreement with Israel, supported by 17 member states.
In light of these diplomatic pressures, the Israeli Foreign Ministry responded by asserting that external pressures would not divert Israel from its self-defense path.
The backdrop of these discussions includes the unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 individuals in Israel, predominantly civilians, along with the abduction of 251 people.
In retaliation, Israeli military actions have reportedly led to at least 53,592 fatalities in Gaza, most of whom are also civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, deemed reliable by the UN.
The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it had intercepted a rocket launched from Gaza, coinciding with air raid sirens sounding in southern Israeli regions.
In a separate incident, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported three deaths due to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have continued to target Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire that has been in place since November.
