Israel to Expand Authority of Negotiators for Hostage Release

Israel will expand the authority of its negotiation team involved in talks over the release of hostages from the Gaza Strip, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) prepare to continue intensive ground operations in the Palestinian enclave. This announcement was made by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a meeting in Tel Aviv with U.S. National Security Coordinator Brett McGurk, according to the Defense Ministry’s press service.

“We will expand the powers given to our negotiators for the release of hostages. At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces are prepared to continue intensive ground operations,” said Gallant's statements released by the ministry.

The discussion between Gallant and McGurk focused on efforts to bring home 134 hostages, the operational situation in Hamas’s central and southern Gaza strongholds, and humanitarian aid efforts implemented by the Israeli and U.S. leadership. Gallant emphasized the importance of eliminating remaining Hamas battalions in the central and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, the press service added.

Furthermore, Gallant also raised the issue of Iranian aggression, which is being carried out through its satellites in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, and discussed various Iranian actions aimed at smuggling weapons and explosives into Israel and destabilizing the region, the Defense Ministry continued.

The Defense Minister expressed his gratitude to McGurk for his personal commitment to resolving the hostage issue, as well as for his strong stance against terrorism and support for Israel’s defense, the press service summarized.