Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a significant development amid ongoing military tensions and diplomatic deadlock, Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir issued a stern warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cautioning that a full-scale invasion of Gaza City could pose a serious threat to the lives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The warning, issued during a visit to a naval base in Haifa, reflects growing unease within Israel’s military leadership about the potential consequences of escalating the ground offensive in the besieged territory.
“There is a deal on the table, and it should be taken now,” Zamir reportedly told Netanyahu, emphasizing that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have already created the conditions necessary to secure such an agreement. “The decision is now in the hands of the prime minister.”
According to Israeli Channel 13, Zamir urged Netanyahu to accept the latest ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal that Hamas has agreed to. The plan, which has U.S. backing, closely resembles terms Israel had previously indicated it would support. However, Netanyahu has yet to issue a formal response, and recent statements suggest he may be seeking to renegotiate certain conditions.
The general’s remarks come at a time when public pressure on the Israeli government is mounting. Families of the hostages have intensified their calls for a comprehensive deal that would secure the release of their loved ones. In a joint statement, the families welcomed Zamir’s comments, saying, “The chief of staff reflects the will of the majority of the Israeli public: to reach a comprehensive agreement that brings back the 50 hostages and ends the war.”
Israel estimates that Hamas currently holds around 50 hostages, including approximately 20 believed to be alive. In contrast, Israel holds over 10,800 Palestinian prisoners, a figure that has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who allege widespread abuse and medical neglect in Israeli detention facilities.
Despite Zamir’s warning, Netanyahu has signaled his intent to move forward with a planned ground operation targeting the remaining areas of Gaza still under Hamas control. On Thursday, he ordered negotiators to begin new talks aimed at freeing the hostages, while simultaneously advancing military preparations for a deeper incursion.
The Israeli military continues its buildup around Gaza, even as doubts grow about the human and strategic costs of further operations. On Saturday, the IDF reported the death of an officer from the Kfir Brigade during an operational incident in Khan Younis, bringing the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since October 7, 2023, to 899, according to official figures.
However, there are widespread allegations that the military is underreporting its casualties. Palestinian factions frequently claim responsibility for deadly ambushes and attacks that are not acknowledged in official Israeli statements.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Katz has approved plans for the full occupation of Gaza, vowing intensified military action and further displacement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday, Minister of Defense Israel Katz threatened to unleash “massive firepower” on Gaza and warned of a fate for the city akin to Rafah in the south and Beit Hanoun in the north, both of which have suffered extensive destruction in recent months.
As the prospect of renewed large-scale fighting looms, Israel finds itself at a critical crossroads. Military leaders are urging caution, hostage families are demanding action, and international mediators are still waiting for an official Israeli response to a deal that could halt the war if only temporarily. For now, the fate of the hostages, the future of Gaza, and the next steps in this protracted conflict remain uncertain.
