Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday acknowledged divisions over the Gaza ceasefire deal however urged residents to unite forward of the anticipated launch of hostages held by Hamas underneath the prisoner change settlement.“That is an emotional night, a night of tears, a night of pleasure, as a result of tomorrow our youngsters will return to our borders,” Netanyahu mentioned in a televised handle, quoting a biblical verse. “Tomorrow is the start of a brand new path – a path of rebuilding, a path of therapeutic, and, I hope, a path of united hearts.”The Prime Minister's remarks got here amid criticism from each side of Israel's political spectrum – from households of hostages who accused him of prioritising navy objectives over their launch, and from right-wing members of his coalition who opposed liberating Palestinian prisoners.“It is a historic occasion that mixes sorrow over the discharge of murderers with pleasure over the return of hostages,” Netanyahu mentioned.“I do know there are lots of disagreements amongst us, however on this present day … now we have each purpose to place them apart, as a result of collectively we achieved great victories,” he added. Netanyahu additionally mentioned Israel was able to obtain the hostages anticipated to be freed on Monday. “Israel is ready and prepared for the rapid reception of all our hostages,” he mentioned in a separate assertion issued Sunday.He added that whereas Israel had made “great victories” throughout two years of battle, the combat was not over: “Collectively we achieved great victories, victories that amazed the entire world… However on the identical time I need to inform you, the combat will not be over,” Netanyahu mentioned. “Very giant safety challenges nonetheless lie earlier than us.”In the meantime, the Israel protection forces (IDF) introduced the launch of Operation “Returning Dwelling” to convey again the hostages. “In a number of hours we are going to all be reunited – one individuals, embraced and united,” mentioned Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, Israel's Chief of the Normal Employees, in a press release posted on X.He mentioned the operation adopted two years of sustained navy and diplomatic strain. “The navy strain we utilized over the previous two years, along with the complementary diplomatic measures, represent a victory over Hamas,” Zamir added. “We'll proceed to behave with a view to make sure the Gaza Strip now not poses a risk to the State of Israel and its civilians.”Israel, nonetheless, is not going to ship a consultant to the US-led peace summit on Gaza scheduled Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, co-hosted by President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in line with a press release to AFP by Netanyahu's spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian.
