The United States government is pressing Israel to delay the imminent ground incursion into the Gaza Strip to allow it to release more Hamas hostages and deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to two sources familiar with the discussions.
A release, on Friday (20), of two North Americans detained by Hamas signaled the possible release of more of the approximately 200 believed to have been kidnapped by the radical Islamic group following terrorist attacks two weeks ago.
“A [administração] pressured the Israeli leadership to delay due to progress on the hostage front” and the need to get trucks of humanitarian aid to Gaza, said a person close to the discussions.
The National Security Council did not immediately respond for comment.
On Saturday (21), when US President Joe Biden was asked if he was encouraging Israel to postpone the invasion, he replied: “I’m talking to the Israelis”.
Qatar, acting as an intermediary between the US and Israel has been leading discussions with Hamas on the release of the hostages since they were abducted by Hamas two weeks ago.
According to a diplomat familiar with the matter, the negotiations included talks about bringing long-awaited aid into Gaza and the need for a temporary ceasefire to evacuate prisoners. Israel has not indicated whether it is considering a ceasefire.
VIDEO – Second convoy of trucks crosses Rafah crossing to bring aid to Gaza
Hamas does not appear to have achieved anything concrete with the release of Judith Tai and Natalie Raanan on Friday.
Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said in a statement Saturday that it was prepared to release two “detained individuals” it identified by name. “The same procedures” used to release the Raanans would be employed for the proposed new release, the statement said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office responded to the claim Saturday night, saying it would not comment on Hamas’ “false propaganda,” adding that the Israeli government would “continue to do whatever is necessary to bring everyone the captives and disappeared back home.”
See images of the conflict between Israel and Hamas
Source: CNN Brasil
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