From the Liveblog of
Sunday, July 6, 2025
In letter to PM, Chikli denounces emerging ‘partial’ hostage deal, warns against peace with Syria’s Sharaa
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Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli publishes a letter expressing opposition to a partial ceasefire-hostage release deal with Hamas and to a peace agreement with Syria’s new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
In the letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Chikli says that the emerging Gaza deal being negotiated is “problematic,” charging it allows Hamas to rebuild itself and leaves at least 10 living hostages in captivity.
“There is no room for an additional partial deal. Every deal at this point must include the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all the hostages without exception, and the permanent control of key areas of the entire northern [Gaza] border including Beit Hanoun, the eastern outskirts of Gaza City, a thick perimeter in the center of the Strip, and full control of the Morag Corridor and the south,” he writes.
Chikli cautions against reaching a peace deal with Sharaa in Syria, calling him a “terrorist” and “mass murderer,” due to his previous allegiance to al-Qaeda.
“It is forbidden to make any peace with this terrorist,” he asserts.
He claims that Sharaa only wants a hudna, or a long-term but temporary ceasefire, because he is in a weak position in Syria.
The Times of Israel Community.