Jerusalem, Aug. 25 -- Scrapping the earlier ceasefire deal, Israel has ruled out the possibility of an armistice with Hamas, and said unconditional release of all hostages is the sole factor for any future negotiations.
"There is no connection between (halting the) upcoming military operation (and talks) in Gaza," Israeli officials said on Sunday. "The hostage deal talks will not stop the operation, but the operation will accelerate the talks."According to the Jerusalem Post, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, during his visit to the Israel Navy headquarters on Sunday, said that in meeting the IDF's goals in its latest Gaza operation, including gravely hurting Hamas and distancing potential threats from Israel's borders, it has create...