War on Gaza at impasse, Israeli Security leadership says

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 May 2024 21:29
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Security leaders unanimously agreed that "Israel has lost two fundamental advantages, American support, and unity among the populace.

Israeli soldiers drive a tank at a staging ground near the separation line with the Gaza Strip, in southern Palestine, Sunday, May 5, 2024 (AP)

The Israeli Security leadership believes that its genocidal campaign on Gaza "has reached an impasse," citing a lack of US support to carry out a ground invasion of the city of Rafah, Israeli news reported on Sunday.

The meeting was held exactly 11 days ago and was described as "decisive" as it marked a turning point in negotiations for an exchange deal, according to the reports.

Israeli Minister of Security along with the Chief of of Staff, the Shin Bet, the Mossad, and negotiations officers all partook in the meeting.

All reportedly agreed on the priority of bringing back the captives in exchange for the unconditional return of Palestinians to northern Gaza alongside the removal of the 'Netzarim' corridor.

Israeli news website Yedioth Ahronoth cited officials as saying "the army is not engaging in an actual war" in Gaza, adding that Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir "are ignoring this fact."

It further indicated that security leaders unanimously agreed that "Israel has lost two fundamental advantages, American support, and unity among the populace. This observation came at a time when officials were unable to reach an agreement on the northern front without achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.

Following unsuccessful negotiations in Cairo, where the focus was on securing the release of Israeli captives and halting the aggression on Gaza, an Egyptian source indicated that it is now up to "Israel" to take action or make decisions regarding the situation.

Earlier today, the head of Hamas's political bureau Ismail Haniyeh said that the movement remains committed to reaching a comprehensive deal, one that ends the aggression, ensures the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and achieves a serious exchange deal.

"What is the point of an agreement if a ceasefire is not its first outcome?" he rhetorically asked.

This statement comes at a time when Israeli media reports indicated that Hamas is pushing for the war to end with a "written in the agreement and not just rely on verbal assurances."

A senior source in Palestinian factions confirmed to Al Mayadeen on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli officials are constantly failing in negotiations, as Netanyahu is "stubborn, does not care about his hostages or their families' demands, and is challenging the world to drag on his genocidal war."