From the Liveblog of
Saturday, February 24, 2024
In Gaza, IDF chief says military pressure is ‘most effective’ way to achieve hostage deal
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
During a visit to the northern Gaza Strip earlier today, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi says military pressure on Hamas is “the most effective” action to bring about a potential hostage deal with the terror group.
His comments come amid ongoing negotiations with Hamas over the release of hostages it still holds captive in Gaza.
“I don’t know where it will develop, there are those who are engaged in it, we are engaged in fighting,” Halevi says regarding the hostage deal talks.
“I want you to know one thing, there is a connection between the things. Your achievements, another battalion that you dismantle, another underground infrastructure, another neighborhood where [Hamas] infrastructure is destroyed, and the population evacuates to safe areas, all these things push us, I very much hope, to achieve the release of the hostages,” he says during an assessment with officers.
“This is the goal of war, we intend to do a great deal to realize it, and the fighting effort is the most effective action that helps those who are negotiating for the release of the hostages,” Halevi adds.
The Times of Israel Community.