Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Hamas leaders could be allowed to leave Gaza if the group surrenders its arms, as Israel continues its military campaign in the Palestinian territory. His remarks come amid ongoing airstrikes that have resulted in numerous casualties, including children.
Israeli Airstrike Kills Civilians in Gaza
An Israeli airstrike hit a residential building and a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, killing at least eight people, including five children, according to the Gaza Civil Defense Agency. Israeli forces have escalated their attacks since March 18, following a nearly two-month ceasefire with Hamas.
Ongoing Negotiations and Military Pressure
At a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu dismissed allegations that Israel was not engaged in negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. He claimed that military pressure was creating divisions within the militant group, stating, “We are negotiating under fire… We can see cracks beginning to appear.”
The prime minister reiterated that Hamas must fully disarm, adding, “Its leaders will be allowed to leave.” Netanyahu insisted that Israel’s strategy was weakening Hamas and increasing the likelihood of securing hostage releases.
Hamas has signaled a willingness to relinquish control of Gaza’s administration but maintains that disarmament is a “red line.” International mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, are attempting to broker another ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli hostages.
A senior Hamas official confirmed that the group had accepted a ceasefire proposal from mediators and urged Israel to support it. Netanyahu’s office acknowledged receiving the proposal and stated that Israel had submitted a counteroffer. However, the details of the latest mediation efforts remain undisclosed.
Missile Attack from Yemen and Netanyahu’s Foreign Visit
Meanwhile, Israeli forces reported intercepting a missile fired from Yemen, allegedly launched by the Houthi group. The Houthis have stated that their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinian people and have also targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Netanyahu’s office also confirmed that he plans to visit Hungary on April 2, despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán invited Netanyahu in November, shortly after the ICC issued the warrant.
Rising Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis
The renewed Israeli offensive has resulted in significant civilian casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 921 people have been killed since the fighting resumed. The broader conflict, which reignited following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,218 people, has led to over 50,277 deaths in Gaza, the majority of whom are civilians, according to health officials in the territory.
As international efforts to broker peace continue, the situation remains volatile, with no clear resolution in sight.
