jordan pulse -

A senior member of the Israeli negotiation team, aiming for a prisoner release agreement, stated on Tuesday that the war won't end with the cessation of attacks on Rafah. Israel will continue its strong military campaign in Gaza, preparing for further operations.

The official emphasized that if Hamas expects the fighting to end with the Rafah operation, it will be disappointed. Israel intends to maintain a strong and effective military presence in Gaza even after the fighting in Rafah concludes.

According to the senior official, a premature ceasefire would determine the fate of the prisoners, including the return of both men and bodies. Hence, a complete end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the sector is only possible through negotiations and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure the agreement's full implementation.

Israel has observed that Hamas is not burdened by agreements, as evidenced by the last decade's accords. There must be pressure tools to ensure the agreement's execution, and clear certainty that Hamas will not rapidly change the deal's terms.

Regarding the latest Israeli offer to Hamas, revealed by U.S. President Joe Biden earlier this month, the source stated that there would be no negotiations on another plan, and nothing could alter the Biden deal, which the UN Security Council accepted. Guarantees are necessary to ensure that Hamas won't modify the deal's terms.

Even after the Israeli military operation in Rafah ends, Israel will remain in the sector with full force to continue intense military activities. The Israeli army has significant operational plans that will be disclosed later.

The Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, ongoing since October 7, has resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries, along with the destruction of buildings and roads, according to Gaza's health authorities.