Israel will send a negotiating team to Qatar to address hostage release and ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, amidst threats to cut off electricity to Gaza. Key figures in the delegation include Gal Hirsch and Ophir Falk. Eli Cohen, Israel’s energy minister, affirmed a strong stance against Hamas, calling for all means to secure hostages. The IDF is also undergoing a leadership transition in its spokesperson role.
Israel is dispatching a negotiating team to Qatar on Monday to advance discussions regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza and a potential ceasefire with Hamas. The team includes Gal Hirsch, the government coordinator for hostages, and Ophir Falk, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is anticipated to arrive in Doha later this week, possibly on Wednesday.
Amidst these negotiations, Israel has announced plans to cut off remaining electricity supplies to Gaza. In a video statement, Eli Cohen, Israel’s energy minister, declared that the government will utilize “all means available … to ensure the return of all Israeli hostages,” asserting that Hamas would not remain in Gaza following the conflict. Hamas has characterized this action as “cheap and unacceptable blackmail.”
In conjunction with these developments, the Israel Defense Forces have appointed BG Effie Defrin as the new official spokesperson, succeeding Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari following a structured transition sanctioned by the new Chief of General Staff, Eyal Zamir, and Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz. This change reflects an administrative update amid ongoing preparations for the negotiations.
The international community has expressed concern regarding Israel’s decision to cut electricity, as it seems aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas during an already complex negotiation process. Additionally, the UN condemned reports of severe violence in Syria resulting in record deaths since the start of the nation’s revolution in 2011, highlighting increasing instability in the region.
In summary, Israel’s initiative to send a negotiating team to Qatar underscores the urgency of addressing the hostages held by Hamas while also attempting to secure a ceasefire. However, the threat to cut electricity supplies to Gaza introduces further tension, drawing criticism from various entities. Meanwhile, changes in Israel’s military communication leadership suggest a strategic shift during these critical discussions.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
