Katz claims Hamas has returned to hostage talks after start of fresh IDF offensive

Defense Minister Israel Katz claims Hamas has returned to the hostage negotiation table after the IDF began its new offensive in the Gaza Strip.

There has been no Hamas announcement that they have either left or returned to talks. A senior Israeli official told Channel 13 earlier today that indirect talks in Doha had resumed, and that Hamas was attending.

“With the launch of Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza, led with great force by the IDF command, the Hamas delegation in Doha announced a return to negotiations on a hostage deal, contrary to the refusal stance they had taken up until that moment,” he says in a statement.

Katz says Hamas returned to the talks without Israel resuming humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, “which are not required,” and without a ceasefire.

“The heroism of IDF soldiers, the unity of the people, and the determination of the political leadership increase the chances of bringing back the hostages,” he adds.