Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz earlier said the country would "suspend the operation" if Hamas agreed to release the estimated 130 remaining Israeli hostages still in captivity in Gaza. His prime minister's latest words now contradict this. "We will do everything possible to return the abductees, without harming the achievements of the war for which soldiers fell."
"The release of the hostages is the top priority for us. If there will be a deal, we will suspend the operation," said Katz emphasizing that growing military pressure on Hamas increases the prospects of an agreement.
