JERUSALEM (NEWSnet/AP) — Israel and Hamas on Tuesday appeared close to a deal to temporarily halt a six-week war for dozens of hostages being held in Gaza Strip to be freed in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
But as Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his Cabinet for a vote, he vowed to resume the offensive against Hamas as soon as the truce ends.
“We are at war, and we will continue the war,” he said. “We will continue until we achieve all our goals.”
The Cabinet was expected to vote on a plan that would halt Israel’s offensive in Gaza for several days in exchange for the release of about 50 of the 240 hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu acknowledged the Cabinet faces a difficult decision, but supporting the cease-fire is the proper decision.
Netanyahu said that during the lull, intelligence efforts will be maintained, allowing the army to prepare for the next stages of battle. He said the battle would continue until “Gaza will not threaten Israel.”
Details of the expected cease-fire deal were not released. Israeli media reported that an agreement would include a five-day halt in Israel’s offensive in Gaza and the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for some 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Israel’s Channel 12 TV said the first releases would take place Thursday or Friday and continue for several days.
Talks have stalled repeatedly. But even if a deal is reached, it would not mean an end to the war.
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