August 25, 2025 | 04:53 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chief of Israeli Staff, Eyal Zamir, on Sunday urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the current prisoner swap proposal. As reported by Anadolu, Zamir warned that the occupation of Gaza City poses a "serious risk" to the lives of the hostages.
"There is a deal on the table, and it should be taken now," Zamir said in comments broadcast by Israel's Channel 13.
"The army has provided the conditions for its completion, and the decision is now in Netanyahu’s hands."
The Israeli Army Chief reiterated his concerns about the plan to occupy Gaza City.
"he army is capable of occupying Gaza, but the operation could seriously endanger the lives of hostages," he said.
This call comes amid mounting pressure from the families of the Israeli hostages to reach a deal to secure the release of their relatives.
On Thursday, Netanyahu ordered immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages while continuing plans to occupy Gaza City and relocate its residents.
Netanyahu's comments suggest he may be looking for a deal with new conditions. Meanwhile, mediators are awaiting his official response to the Egypt-Qatar proposal, which largely aligns with previous Israeli agreements and was recently accepted by Hamas.
The families of the hostages welcomed Zamir's statement.
"The chief of staff reflects the majority of the Israeli public’s demand for a comprehensive agreement that returns 50 hostages and ends the war," they said.
Israel estimates that Hamas is holding 50 people, including 20 who are still alive, while Tel Aviv is holding over 10,800 Palestinian citizens, amid reports from human rights groups about torture and medical neglect.
On Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Katz approved a military plan to occupy Gaza City, with promises of massive shelling and the displacement of residents.
According to Channel 12, the current proposal includes the redeployment of Israeli forces near the border to allow humanitarian aid, a temporary ceasefire for 60 days to be implemented in two stages. This is in exchange for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 Israeli bodies to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, and discussions on a permanent ceasefire arrangement.
Israel has killed nearly 62,700 Palestinian residents in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is now facing famine.
Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war in the enclave.
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