Gallant Calls Gaza Truce a ‘Strategic Opportunity’

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has expressed his backing for a potential hostage release as part of the initial phase of a truce deal in Gaza, describing it as a strategic move that could help address broader security concerns. Gallant emphasized that bringing the hostages home is “the right thing to do” and that reaching an agreement presents an opportunity to significantly alter Israel’s security situation across multiple fronts.

Israel has been engaged in an ongoing war with Palestinian militants in Gaza since Hamas launched an attack on October 7. In addition to the conflict in Gaza, Israel faces near-daily clashes with Hezbollah along its northern border with Lebanon.

Gallant urged the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas to facilitate an agreement and voiced strong support for the first stage of a three-phase ceasefire plan announced by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 31. He hopes this can eventually lead to an end to the war. Gallant outlined the importance of securing an agreement that would establish a six-week pause and enable the return of hostages.

In his remarks, Gallant noted that Hamas’ military capabilities have been severely degraded after over 11 months of conflict, stating that the group no longer functions as a cohesive military force in Gaza. “Hamas as a military formation no longer exists,” he said, adding that the group is now engaged in guerrilla tactics and that Israel continues to fight Hamas militants and pursue its leadership.

Gallant’s comments come amid ongoing efforts by mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The war in Gaza has resulted in nearly 41,000 deaths and has led to widespread destruction, creating a dire humanitarian crisis, including the recent confirmation of the first polio case in Gaza in 25 years.