The Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, has publicly shown his support for a deal that would capture hostages as a way of fighting Hamas in Gaza with a view of reaching a cease fire agreement. In an interview to foreign media personnel, Gallant pointed out to the ethical and geo-political implications of the release of militants covered with the hostage." As Gallant said, ‘It is right to bring the hostages home,’ and the latter experiment has been promising as a strategic opportunity whereby Israel can address other pressing security issues literally on the threshold of making the deal.

After aggression from Hamas that led to October 7 deadly attacks, Israel has been continuing fighting not only in Gaza but also in Northern frontiers with Lebanon where Hezbollah has also been in near daily fights with the Israeli Defense Forces. Gallant believes that cessation of violence and freeing of prisoners may ease pressure on the Israeli government and assist in redirecting the warfare fronts in a way that assists it alter its defence strategies.

Yoav Gallant
Image Source: Devdiscourse

Gallant demanded keeping the pressure upon Hamas and making a deal which should outline the first stage of the three-stage plan proposed by US President Joe Biden on May 31. During this first phase, Gallant said, the shooting would stop for six weeks and Israel would be able to rescue more hostages while the initiative permits more talks toward the overall cessation of hostilities.

While mediators from the United States, Qatar and Egypt look for an understanding on the situation in Gaza, the humanitarian situation deteriorates. More than 41000 people have been killed since the beginning of the war, there is severe destruction and lack of food and other necessary items in the territory. This position has been made worse by a new disease which is a health danger to the people in the besieged region, this is after Gaza confirmed its first case of polio in the last twenty-five years.

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