US requests delay of 'Israel’s' Gaza ground op to push captive deal talks: Sources

The United States has requested that 'Israel' postpone its full-scale ground operation in Gaza to allow more time for ongoing negotiations aimed at securing the release of captives, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.

The US request involves delaying the ground offensive while permitting negotiations to continue alongside current military activities. 'Israeli' officials have indicated that once the large-scale ground operation begins, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) will not withdraw from any areas they enter, even if part of a potential deal, which could complicate efforts to reach a ceasefire.

“Once the maneuver begins, we will act with full force and will not stop until all objectives are achieved,” Occupation Defense Minister Israel Katz stated earlier this week.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed willingness to consider a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the return of captives. He said last Wednesday, “If there’s an opportunity for a temporary ceasefire to bring back captives, we are prepared for that.”

However, 'Israel' recalled its delegation from Qatar last Thursday after Hamas insisted on American guarantees for an end to the war as a condition for any agreement. 'Israeli' officials say the only deal currently on the table is the so-called “Witkoff framework,” which includes the release of 10 captives and a 60-day ceasefire. 'Israeli' sources describe negotiations as “deadlocked.”

Despite the withdrawal of the 'Israeli' delegation from Qatar, the US administration continues indirect talks with Hamas through Dr. Bashara Bahbah, a figure previously associated with the “Arab Americans for Trump” campaign.