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Sunday, October 29, 2023
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Sunday, October 29, 2023
Ex-Mossad head Cohen: Israel can eliminate Hamas at same time as mediating hostage deal
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Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen speaks at a conference of the Makor Rishon newspaper at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, February 21, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/ Flash90/ File)
Ex-Mossad head Yossi Cohen says that negotiations for the release of the hostages in Gaza can continue even as Israel works to carry out its objective of eliminating the Hamas terror group.
“We cannot wait quietly for proposals for deals, without entering the Gaza Strip,” Cohen tells the Kan public broadcaster.
“It is possible and necessary to eliminate the rule of Hamas and at the same time be open to mediating future deals for the release of the hostage,” he says.
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed ally Gal Hirsch as hostage envoy, Cohen is reportedly also involved in behind-the-scenes talks.
Over 230 hostages — including some 30 children — are captive in the Gaza Strip.
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