Israeli political party leaders criticized the continuation of the war on the Gaza Strip, and called for a deal to return prisoners detained in the Strip.
Democratic Party leader Yair Golan said that every Israeli soldier killed in Gaza is a testament to the government’s political and security negligence.
Golan accused the prime minister of prolonging the war for political purposes, and said that the war in Gaza ended a long time ago, and that the Netanyahu government did not move out of a desire to remain in power and under the illusions of settlement in the Strip.
He also said that concluding a partial deal “to return the kidnapped people is a terrible path to an endless war in Gaza.”
A call to withdraw from Gaza
For his part, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said that the army’s presence in Gaza prevents the chances of reaching a comprehensive deal that will return the prisoners.
Lapid said that the army’s presence in Gaza conflicts with Israel’s political and security interests.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said – today, Tuesday – that Israel is committed to reaching an agreement to release the “hostages” in the Gaza Strip, and that the key is in the hands of those who have influence over the Hamas movement.
Doha talks
Yesterday, Axios quoted an American official as confirming that Brett McGurk (President Joe Biden’s senior advisor for Middle East affairs) had arrived in Doha to join the talks on a prisoner exchange deal and a ceasefire in Gaza.
On the other hand, Israeli Channel 12 said that Mossad chief David Barnea postponed a visit scheduled yesterday to Doha as part of the exchange deal talks.
For its part, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth said that Barnea’s visit was postponed pending Hamas’ response to the details of the proposed deal, noting that Israel is waiting for the response in order to decide whether there is a feasibility for the Mossad director to travel to the Qatari capital.
The newspaper added that the Israelis believe that there is a need for more progress in the negotiations before Barnea heads to Doha.
Skepticism and cautious optimism
In the past few days, Israeli and American officials spoke of progress in the negotiations that might allow a deal to be reached soon, but doubts still loom about the possibility of concluding an agreement.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said yesterday that his country wants to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza within the next two weeks.
Blinken expressed his confidence in reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, whether during or after President Joe Biden’s term.
Meanwhile, the newspaper “Israel Today” said that Netanyahu held a limited consultation session to discuss developments in the deal talks.
The Israeli Channel 12 had previously quoted officials as saying that great progress had been made in the negotiations, but that “it is too early to offer congratulations on reaching the end.”