The current hostage, ceasefire deal on the table is "no longer relevant," as any future negotiations must include the release of all hostages and a ceasefire on "terms that Israel is ready for," N12 quoted senior Israeli officials as saying on Sunday.
“There is no connection between the upcoming military operation in Gaza,” the officials said, according to the report. “The hostage deal talks will not stop the operation, but the operation will accelerate the talks.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said during a visit to the Israel Navy on Sunday that in meeting the IDF's goals in its latest Gaza operation, including gravely hurting Hamas and distancing potential threats from Israel's borders, it has created optimal conditions to ensure the release of the hostages.
In light of this, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced its intention to continue its protests until Tuesday, which it deemed a “National Day of Struggle” in an attempt to push the government toward a deal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene the security cabinet on Monday to discuss the upcoming Gaza offensive and possible resumption of hostage talks.
A new location for hostage deal negotiations outside of Qatar, Egypt
A new venue for negotiations, outside of Qatar and Egypt, is also reportedly to be up for debate, with a European capital or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) presented among the potential options.
It is unknown if the Israeli delegation will continue in its current makeup, but it is possible that Mossad chief David Barnea could join the group, N12 noted.