Netanyahu Rejects Prisoner Exchange Amid Gaza Offensive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a proposed prisoner exchange deal with Hamas despite support from the military and some cabinet ministers, stating that no such deal currently exists and refusing to hold a vote on it during a stormy security cabinet meeting. The deal, which Hamas accepted in mid-August, would have involved releasing living hostages and remains of dead hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire, but Netanyahu is pushing for a comprehensive military operation to take over Gaza City instead. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and a few ministers advocated for the partial deal, highlighting its potential advantages, but Netanyahu, reportedly influenced by US President Donald Trump, insists on a full military approach to dismantle Hamas. The Israeli government faces internal division, with far-right ministers opposing the deal and others, including opposition parties and hostage families, urging negotiations to avoid prolonged conflict and further casualties. Meanwhile, the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza has caused significant civilian casualties, including children and journalists, and severe humanitarian crises, with Gaza's healthcare system overwhelmed and starvation-related deaths rising. The US has also suspended most visitor visa approvals for Palestinian passport holders amid these developments.