The US government has pressed Israel to delay its imminent Gaza ground operation to allow for the release of more Hamas hostages and aid into Gaza, according to two sources briefed on the discussions.
This development comes after two Americans were released by Hamas, raising the possibility of further hostage releases among the approximately 200 individuals believed to have been abducted by the militant group following their recent attacks.
One source with knowledge of the discussions stated, “The (administration) pressed Israeli leadership to delay because of progress on the hostage front,” emphasizing the importance of both the hostage situation and the delivery of aid to Gaza.
When asked whether he was encouraging Israel to delay the invasion, US President Joe Biden responded, “I’m talking to the Israelis.”
Qatar has been serving as an intermediary between the US, Israel, and Hamas in negotiations regarding the release of hostages and humanitarian aid.
These discussions have also touched on the necessity of a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the release of prisoners, although Israel has not indicated its willingness to consider such a ceasefire.
Although the military wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, announced their readiness to release two more individuals, using the same procedures as the previous release.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office dismissed this claim as “false Hamas propaganda” and affirmed Israel’s commitment to taking all necessary actions to bring captives and missing individuals back home.CNN report