After the Hamas attack, Israel responded with rocket attacks on the terrorist organization’s positions, including in the Gaza Strip. A ground offensive was also announced – but it has not yet begun, even though more than two weeks have passed since the Hamas attack.
Why is Israel still waiting? It could have something to do with the hostages in the hands of Hamas. In Israel, calls are growing louder for Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to make more efforts to free them.
“CNN“ now reports, that the US government had pressured Israel to postpone the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. Background: It should be possible to free more hostages beforehand.
It is said that the supply of aid to the needy population of Gaza also played a role.
“CNN” cites two unnamed sources who are familiar with the talks between the USA and Israel. When US President Joe Biden was asked on Saturday whether he was influencing Israel, he said, according to CNN: “I’m talking to the Israelis.”
Two hostages were released
Two American-Israeli hostages were released on Friday. This was mediated by Qatar. The emirate has good contacts with the Palestinian terrorist group. Biden thanked the emirate for its efforts.
It is assumed, that Hamas kidnapped a total of around 200 people from Israel. On Saturday, Hamas claimed it was ready to release two more hostages. Netanyahu’s office then announced that it would “continue to do everything necessary to bring all prisoners and missing people home,” writes CNN.
However, it was previously made clear that “military pressure” on Hamas would remain even after Friday’s release. “It will not change the mission, which is to destroy Hamas.”
Pentagon chief expects difficult Israeli ground offensive in Gaza
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expects a difficult and protracted Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. Struggles in an urban environment are “extremely difficult“And progress was slow,” Austin told ABC on Sunday.
This is particularly complicated in this case by the “underground network of tunnels that Hamas has built over time and the fact that it has had a lot of time to prepare for a fight.”
Austin predicted: “I think we’re going to see a fight that’s going to be characterized by a lot of booby traps and bomb attacks.”
At the same time, Austin warned that it is essential to take civilians into account in military planning, to protect them and to provide corridors for them to move out of the combat zone.
“I think the Israelis have been doing this for some time.” The Israel Defense Forces are professional, “and we will continue to encourage them to ensure that they act in accordance with the laws of war.” (Tsp/dpa)