Report: US suggests Israel reduce Gaza ops for fear Hamas will kill hostages if IDF is near

Horrified and outraged by Hamas’s murder of six Israeli hostages, the US has reportedly conveyed a message to Israel that it should consider scaling back its military activities for fear the terrorists might kill more hostages as the IDF forces operate in the area.

Channel 12 News says the message conveyed by the US encourages Israel to “weigh” reducing its military activities in the Strip, citing the “tangible danger” to the hostages of IDF activity near places where they are held. Hamas is widely reported to have told captors to kill hostages if they fear the IDF closing in.

The network reports the warning is issued on the basis of US intelligence.

Citing US sources, the report also says the Americans intend to “speed up” their presentation of an anticipated final bridging proposal for a ceasefire-hostage deal, and that they are seeking another summit in Doha.

It adds that Mossad chief David Barnea, Israel’s chief negotiator, flew to and from Doha today for a brief series of meetings.