Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “desperate” to reach a hostage-ceasefire deal, a senior Israeli official told Sky News on Sunday.
According to the source, the accidental killings of the seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers “changed everything.”
Sky News reported that Israel withdrew most of its troops from southern Gaza, with just one brigade present in Khan Yunis.
This move is reportedly connected to ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas, with an Israeli team of negotiators taking off to Cairo on Sunday. Additionally, the killing of seven Gaza aid workers from the World Central Kitchen last week altered the course of the IDF’s strategy as well as the hostage negotiations.
What is the IDF’s next move?
Israel had long intended to invade Rafah, the southernmost city and final Hamas stronghold in the Gaza Strip, where many Palestinians are taking shelter.
Many of Israel’s partners have warned Israel about a ground operation in Rafah.
Israeli government spokesperson Avi Hyman told Sky News that Netanyahu sought to engage in a Rafah ground invasion but that he is also “desperate” for a ceasefire and hostage deal, which is linked to the pullout of troops and negotiations with Hamas.
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