Kokcha News Agency: In a brief phone interview with Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that some senior Israeli military officials oppose the planned operation, fearing it could endanger the safety of Israeli hostages. Trump stated that Hamas “will not release the hostages under the current conditions” and added that rescuing them would be “very difficult.”
Trump also emphasized that Israel should determine its next steps and whether Hamas remains in Gaza, stating, “They cannot stay there.”
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the meeting discussed Israel’s plans to take control of Hamas-held areas in Gaza and the details of the operation aimed at securing the release of hostages and defeating Hamas. Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli Defense Forces to present plans for the “full control” of Gaza City.
Israeli officials noted that the operational planning process and the evacuation of civilians in Gaza could take weeks, creating a window of opportunity for a ceasefire and hostage negotiations before any attack begins.
Negotiations in Ibiza:
In this context, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met in Ibiza, Spain, to discuss the possibility of a comprehensive agreement to end the war and secure the release of hostages.
Additionally, a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to resume ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Egyptian intelligence officials. The Hamas delegation had previously traveled to Turkey after talks in Qatar collapsed two weeks ago.
Officials stated that the Hamas delegation complained to Turkish officials about Qatar’s handling of the negotiations but noted that Turkey encouraged Hamas to continue contacts with mediators from Egypt and Qatar.
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