JAKARTA - The Israeli government will not stop the war in Gaza even if Hamas released all hostages on October 7 last year, National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi said.
Hanegbi's statement appeared during a meeting with the Israeli hostage family.
He said the "phase one" agreement for the release of the hostages, was classified under humanitarian reasons, and could soon be reached, according to the broadcaster Channel 12 and the Daily Times of Israel.
However, Hanegbi reportedly told the hostages' families that "This government will not make a decision to stop the war in exchange for the release of hostages."
He is also reportedly aware of a lack of alternative plans if the hostages are not returned within a specified period of time.
"If the hostages have not been released within weeks or months, we have no other plans. We will continue to fight in Gaza and in the north, and only then will we review," said Hanegbi.
Hamas had previously accepted the proposed ceasefire prepared by Egypt and Qatar, but Israel rejected the proposal and decided to launch a ground offensive in the southern city of Rafah.
Israel is seeking a temporary ceasefire while maintaining its military presence in Gaza, while Hamas insists on ending the war, withdrawing Israeli troops, allowing Palestinian refugees to return to their territory.
Also allowing to bring in sufficient humanitarian aid as part of the prisoner swap deal.
Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have arrested about 239 people, according to Israeli media estimates, during a surprise attack launched on military sites and settlements adjacent to Gaza on October 7, 2023.
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Israel reported 121 of the prisoners were still in Gaza, while Hamas said on May 26 that it had arrested more Israeli soldiers during operations in Gaza, without disclosing its specific number. The claim was rejected by Israel.
Through mediation between Qatar, Egypt and the United States, Hamas and Israel have been involved in indirect negotiations for several months, trying to reach an agreement to swap hostages and end the war in Gaza.
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