Looming war in North threatens vast swathes of 'Israel': Lapid
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In a meeting with the US National Security Advisor, Yair Lapid emphasizes the critical need to secure the release of captives held by the Palestinian Resistance.
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Israeli occupation opposition leader Yair Lapid meets with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., April 9, 2024, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP)
During a meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington, Yair Lapid, the opposition leader of the Israeli occupation government, urged taking all possible measures to avert a war in the north and to secure the release of captives held by the Palestinian Resistance in the Gaza Strip.
"There are about 60,000 citizens in Israel who have not lived in their homes in the north for almost a year. Hezbollah is destroying a region that had flourished and prospered," Lapid said, as reported by Israeli media.
Lapid then expanded, saying, "We have given a great deal of time for diplomatic activity, and we are close to the danger of a severe war that will threaten large parts of Israel. Anyone who is able to prevent it must invest every effort in doing so."
Moreover, Lapid stressed that time is running out for the Israeli occupation's captives being held "in Hamas tunnels" with each passing hour. He emphasized the urgent need to secure a deal for their release.
US working with mediators on new Gaza ceasefire proposal: State Dept.
The United States remains engaged with mediators Egypt and Qatar to finalize a revised proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, mentioned State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday.
While Miller did not provide a timeline for the proposal—anticipated for several weeks—he emphasized that Washington is focused on ensuring the proposal can lead to a final agreement between "Israel" and Hamas.
Talks regarding a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal have been stalled as the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip continues.
The Philadelphi Corridor on the border between Gaza and Egypt and details on the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas and the Palestinian detainees remain the main sticking points to a deal.
The Corridor includes the Rafah border crossing with Egypt which is crucial for aid delivery. It extends 12.6 kilometers from the Karem Abu Salem crossing to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Israeli Prime Minister claims the Corridor is crucial for Hamas' operations and insists on maintaining a military presence there as part of any agreement.
But the Palestinian Resistance has reiterated that its demands are clear and non-negotiable: a permanent cessation of Israeli aggression on Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Strip.
It also reaffirms its commitment to the July 2 ceasefire proposal, initially presented by US President Joe Biden and approved by all parties except "Israel".
Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is adamant about not withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor during the first phase of a potential agreement, intending to postpone the withdrawal to the second phase, while Hamas insists on a first-phase withdrawal.
Biden previously remarked that Netanyahu "is not making enough effort" to reach an agreement for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza.
Read more: North 'neglected, burnt'; 'we are in state of collapse': Israeli media
