Netanyahu says deal with Hamas on hostages is 'becoming ripe'
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
The deal between Israel and Hamas for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages is "becoming ripe”, according to Bloomberg.
Netanyahu says prospects for the return of all hostages are improving “for the simple reason that we are putting very strong pressure on Hamas".
“We see a certain change, and I think that this change will increase,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister believes that continued attacks on the Iranian-backed Islamist group demoralize Hamas and bring the deal closer.
“The enemy’s spirit is starting to break,” Netanyahu noted.
According to him, the ceasefire deal “will not take place all at once - there will be stages”.
“However, I believe that we can advance the deal and leave us in possession of the leverage to bring about the release of the others,” the Israeli Prime Minister added.
Netanyahu's visit to Washington
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went to Washington on Monday, July 22, to address the US Congress and meet with President Joe Biden.
According to Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, Biden and Netanyahu will discuss a peace plan for the Gaza Strip. The main topics of the dialogue will be the release of hostages and a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Recently, Hamas approved a US-backed proposal for a phased ceasefire in Gaza, dropping its demand for a complete end to the war with Israel. The initial peace plan failed due to Israel's reluctance to halt combat operations until Hamas leadership was neutralized.
