Netanyahu calls for tougher negotiations as Israel's delegation heads for Qatar

On February 25, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a conference call with government ministers and the head of Mossad David Barnea, who returned from negotiations for the hostage deal in Paris. During the charged conversation, Netanyahu said "We need to be tougher in negotiations."

Channel 13 reported that Israeli officials were divided regarding the reason for the reprimand. Israeli officials said it centred around the debate concerning how much humanitarian aid Israel would allow into the Strip. On the other hand, other sources involved in the negotiations claimed that "Netanyahu made a show in preparation for the departure of the junior delegation to Qatar."

Reportedly, Netanyahu asked as a condition for progress in the negotiations to know which of the hostages was alive.

Later, Israel's military cabinet decided to send an Israeli delegation to Qatar to continue negotiations on an agreement with Hamas for the release of prisoners held in the Gaza Strip.

According to Channel 12, Israel will be represented by a smaller delegation than that which met with representatives of the US, Qatar and Egypt in Paris on February 23-24 to discuss the issue.

Moreover, IDF presented a plan to the war cabinet for the evacuation of Palestinian civilians from combat zones in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah and its operational strategy going forward, the Prime Minister’s Office says.

The army “presented the war cabinet with a plan for evacuating the population from the areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip, with the upcoming operational plan,” the Hebrew announcement reads.

In addition, the PMO says the cabinet approved the provision of humanitarian aid to south Gaza “in a way that will prevent the looting that occurred in the north of the Gaza Strip and other areas.”

Israel is pressing ahead with plans for a military offensive in Rafah, Hamas’s last stronghold in Gaza and also where more than half the territory’s population of 2.3 million have sought refuge.

Humanitarian groups warn of a catastrophe, with Rafah the main entry point for aid, and the US and other allies have said Israel must avoid harming civilians. Under US pressure, Israel’s political and military leaders have said the operation will not begin until the safety of non-combatants has been ensured.

PM Netanyahu noted that an Israeli military operation in Rafah could be “delayed somewhat” if a deal for a weekslong truce between Israel and Hamas is reached, as mediators work to secure an outline for a pause in fighting and hostage releases.

The Israeli military cabinet approved the launch of a pilot project for the direct delivery of humanitarian aid to the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, it was reported about the intention to deliver humanitarian supplies to the Zeitoun area for further transfer to civilians in northern Gaza.

Humanitarian aid trucks will be screened at the Kerem Shalom or Nitzana checkpoints and then enter northern Gaza through a humanitarian corridor.

Efforts will be made to prevent the looting of humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, assessing the situation at the Northern Command base, has said that Israel will continue attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon even if a deal is reached with Hamas and a ceasefire begins in Gaza.

"If anyone thinks that if we make a deal to release hostages and temporarily stop firing in the south, it will ease what is happening in the north, they are mistaken. We will intensify the fire in the north regardless [of the agreement with Hamas] and we will continue until the complete withdrawal of Hezbollah forces and the return of the people of the north to their homes," the defence minister said.

"We are eliminating Hezbollah fighters and commanders, they are looking for replacements and I can tell you that we don't see any volunteers. Everyone is afraid," he added.

However, Gallant does not rule out the possibility of a diplomatic solution to the situation with Lebanon.