AdvertisementAnnihilating Hamas would seem to require a ground operation of unprecedented intensity fraught with the risk of harming Israeli hostages. In a televised address late Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the agony of hostages’ families and promised their release was an “integral” part of Israel’s war effort, on par with its goal of destroying Hamas. Anxiety over Hamas’ hostages reached a fever pitch Saturday, as Israel intensified its air campaign and sent troops into Gaza with heavy firepower. Hamas on Saturday offered Israel an exchange — the release of all hostages in Gaza for all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Many of those prisoners, including Hamas’ top leader in Gaza, Yehia Sinwar, had been convicted in the killings of Israelis.

Source: Huffington Post October 30, 2023 01:31 UTC