Hostage presence in Gaza may force Israel to abandon plan to capture city, says Hamas

Hamas and its allied armed groups are reportedly considering relocating Israeli hostages to Gaza City in order to disrupt Israel’s plan to establish full control over the city, Asharq al-Awsat reports, citing Palestinian sources.

As noted, the Palestinian side believes that the presence of hostages could compel Israel’s leadership to abandon the plan to capture the city, as the lives of Israelis held in captivity would be at risk during military operations.

The newspaper notes that the proposal is still under discussion, and no final decision has yet been made.

On Aug. 8, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take control of the entire Gaza City area and expand operations within the Palestinian enclave. Netanyahu noted that the goal of these actions is “not to capture Gaza” but to “liberate” the area from the military presence of Hamas militants.

On Aug. 17, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieut. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced that Israel’s armed forces would soon begin operations in Gaza City.