In an extraordinary shift within Israel’s leadership ranks, the IDF Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, publicly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the latest Egypt- and Qatar-brokered ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal. Zamir stressed, “There is a deal on the table, and it should be taken now,” warning that a continued military operation in Gaza City risks the lives of remaining hostages. AP News
What the Proposal Entails
The ongoing proposal — accepted by Hamas — includes:
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A 60-day ceasefire
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Release of 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others
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In exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners
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Partial redeployment of Israeli forces to allow aid access
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A path toward permanent ceasefire negotiations New York Post
Military Concerns vs. Political Strategy
Netanyahu faces a tightrope between the army’s pressure to end the bloodshed and demands from his far-right coalition to continue the offensive. While the prime minister announced plans to resume negotiations on polite terms, he also approved the military takeover of Gaza City to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure.Al Jazeera
Public Pressure and Internal Divisions
The army chief’s call aligns with growing public frustration. Hostage families and anti-war protesters have ramped up pressure, voicing support for the ceasefire and warning that continued conflict only brings more suffering. Meanwhile, internal debate continues to expose the rift between military advisories and political ambitions.WikipediaThe Times
Looking Ahead
As netanyahu begins to formally engage with the proposal, the key question remains whether he will prioritize lives or press on with military objectives. The path forward isn’t just about ending a war—it’s about navigating the fragile junction of strategy, humanitarian urgency, and public will.
