Smotrich's Stance on Prisoner Exchange Deals
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has voiced his strong opposition to the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of any ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that releasing Palestinian prisoners is a 'terrible thing' and vowed not to accept it under any circumstances. Smotrich highlighted the need for strict red lines in such matters, citing the negative consequences of the previous prisoner exchange deal involving Gilad Shalit.
Historical Context and Current Negotiations
In October 2011, Hamas released Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for Israel releasing 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, including Yahya Sinwar. Smotrich pointed out that the release of individuals like Sinwar has endangered the lives of thousands of Israelis. He declared that he would not agree to any similar exchange deal, even if it meant the end of his political career.
Tel Aviv estimates that around 120 Israelis are currently held in the Gaza Strip, while Hamas claims that more than 70 of them were killed in recent Israeli raids. Conversely, Israel detains at least 9,500 Palestinians in its prisons. For months, indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been ongoing to reach a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's insistence on continuing the war poses significant obstacles to these mediation efforts.
Since October 7, Israel, supported by the United States, has been waging a devastating war on Gaza. This conflict has resulted in the deaths and injuries of more than 127,000 Palestinians, most of them children and women, and the loss of over 10,000 others. The war has also caused massive destruction and famine, leading to the deaths of many children in Gaza.
