It has been reported in a statement from the US Joint Chiefs of Staff that the head of the agency, Charles Brown, discussed ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip in a video call with his Israeli counterpart, Hertzi Halevi. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit the region over the weekend for diplomatic talks regarding the post-war period in Gaza.
Brown emphasized the necessity of protecting civilians and not restricting humanitarian aid. He also stressed the importance of Israel planning for post-war conditions, according to the statement.
In earlier remarks, Brown suggested that Israel’s stated goals for its war on the Gaza Strip were “too ambitious,” indicating their unattainability and emphasizing the increasing difficulty as the war prolongs.
Additionally, White House and US State Department officials stated that Blinken will engage in various discussions with relevant parties for assessments on the situation in the region after the war in Gaza concludes. This includes how to manage the territory at this stage, deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, and potentially recognize an independent Palestinian state.
These developments come amid discussions about a potential prisoner exchange deal between the Israeli government and the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas. It has been reported by Israeli Channel 12 that Mossad Chief David Barnea presented “principles of the deal” to the Israeli Security Cabinet, including the initial release of 35 Israeli detainees in Gaza, consisting of women, the elderly, and the injured, in exchange for a 35-day ceasefire.
Following this, there may be an extension of the ceasefire for an additional week to facilitate negotiations on the possibility of continuing to the next phase of the deal, which involves the release of youth and individuals classified as soldiers by Hamas.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set clear boundaries for any anticipated deal.
Netanyahu, in a video clip released on Wednesday, stated that the deal would not be made at any cost and outlined his red lines, including no cessation of hostilities, no withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip, and no release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners.
