The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced four key principles that must be included in any potential hostage release agreement with the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.
The announcement follows the Prime Minister's firm stance against halting IDF operations in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip that has been identified as Hamas' last stronghold after months of conflict in the region.
The four principles outlined by Netanyahu's office are as follows:
- Israel reserves the right to resume military action until all war objectives are met.
- The goal is to eliminate Hamas from Gaza, demilitarize the region, and create a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
- No smuggling of weapons from Egypt to Gaza will be permitted.
- No armed terrorists will be allowed to return to the northern Gaza Strip post-war.
Throughout the nine-month conflict, the IDF has uncovered numerous tunnels used by Hamas for weapon smuggling and military operations.
According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, up to 1.9 million people in Gaza are internally displaced, with ongoing displacements occurring due to the conflict.
Currently, approximately 116 hostages are believed to be held by Hamas, with efforts underway to secure their release.
Since the start of the conflict, 109 hostages have been released, seven rescued by the IDF, and the bodies of 19 recovered, including three mistakenly killed by Israeli troops.
