Politics Israel's defense minister sees chance for Gaza agreement

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz sees the possibility of an agreement with Hamas in the Gaza war. "There is a chance that this time we can actually advance a hostage deal," said Katz during a visit to an airbase in the center of the country, according to his office.

The reason for this is that the pressure on Hamas has increased, partly due to the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The most important thing in the Gaza war at the moment is to bring those kidnapped from Israel back home, continued Katz. Israel is working with all means at its disposal to achieve this ultimate goal. Previously, Israel had also named the destruction of Hamas' military capabilities and ability to govern as war aims. Katz did not say whether Israel considers these goals to have been achieved in the meantime.

The negotiations in the Gaza war are about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in return for the release of hostages held by Hamas. An agreement also provides for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons.

SDA