Israel’s negotiating team will head to Qatar to discuss hostages and a ceasefire, while the country plans to cut electricity supplies to Gaza as a pressure tactic against Hamas. A new IDF spokesperson has been appointed amid ongoing conflict and international scrutiny.
An Israeli negotiating team is set to depart for Qatar on Monday to advance discussions regarding the release of hostages in Gaza and a potential ceasefire with Hamas. The delegation will include Gal Hirsch, the government coordinator for hostages, and senior adviser Ophir Falk, with US special envoy Steve Witkoff also expected to join later in the week.
Over the weekend, Israel announced plans to completely cut electricity supplies to Gaza, a strategy aimed at pressuring Hamas in ongoing negotiations. Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that the government would utilize “all means available … to ensure the return of all Israeli hostages” and emphasized that Hamas would not remain in Gaza following the conflict. In response, Hamas labeled the measures as “cheap and unacceptable blackmail.”
In related developments, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced a change in spokespersons, appointing BG Effie Defrin to succeed Rr Adm Daniel Hagari. The transition was approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz and facilitated by IDF Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to receive international attention, with the UN condemning reports of significant civilian casualties in Syria and calls for accountability in the region. Further complicating the situation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that visas of Hamas supporters in America would be revoked, emphasizing a hardline stance against pro-Hamas sentiment.
In summary, the situation in the Middle East remains tense as Israel seeks to negotiate a resolution regarding hostages in Gaza while implementing harsh measures like cutting off electricity supplies. The appointment of a new IDF spokesperson reflects changes in military communication amidst these tumultuous negotiations, and international bodies continue to monitor the humanitarian implications of the conflict.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
