INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: Israel has announced that the anticipated four-day ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza will be postponed, now set to
commence no earlier than Friday
This development delays a significant agreement aimed at pausing the ongoing conflict with Hamas.Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel's national security
adviser, confirmed the progress in negotiations regarding the release of at least 50 hostages held by Hamas, but clarified that this would
not occur on Thursday as initially planned."The contacts on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly," Hanegbi
"The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday."Furthermore, another
Israeli official indicated that the ceasefire, initially expected to begin on Thursday, would also be delayed
This postponement is a significant setback for the families eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones and for the over two million
residents of Gaza hoping for a respite from 47 days of conflict and hardship.Under the intricate deal, Israel and Hamas had agreed to a
four-day truce, which included the release of at least 50 hostages captured during the deadly attacks by the Palestinian militant group on
October 7.During a press conference in Tel Aviv, alongside war cabinet members, Prime Minister Netanyahu on Wednesday declared that he had
after it ends, a Times of Israel report said.Responding to inquiries about whether the ceasefire would extend to actions against Hamas
leaders, particularly those abroad, Netanyahu clarified that there was "no such obligation."Netanyahu emphasized that the ceasefire would be
used to prepare for the continuation of the war, ensuring the protection of forces and ongoing intelligence gathering
He reiterated Israel's objectives: the removal of Hamas, the return of all hostages, and the establishment of a non-threatening governance
He also acknowledged the significant cost of victory, citing the loss of 70 soldiers in the past month.Mossad chief David Barnea, along with
Gen Nitzan Alon, reportedly met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to finalize the deal's details
The names of the hostages to be released will not be disclosed beforehand to prevent false hope among families.The significance of this
visit lies in Barnea's role as the primary negotiator representing Israel
His journey to Qatar underscores the ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues in the agreement, particularly the practical aspects of
its implementation and determining the precise timing for the ceasefire to commence.MossadThe Mossad, officially known as the Institute for
Intelligence and Special Operations, is the national intelligence agency of Israel, one of the key players in the global intelligence
Established on December 13, 1949, it has evolved into a highly effective and reputed agency, known for its daring covert operations,
counterterrorism, and intelligence gathering.Mandate and MissionMossad's primary mandate is to ensure Israel's national security
This includes intelligence gathering related to external threats, conducting covert operations, and counterterrorism
Unlike other intelligence agencies that focus on military intelligence, Mossad is more oriented towards foreign intelligence gathering and
strategic operations.Organizational StructureThe agency is headed by a Director, appointed by the Prime Minister, with the current director
The organization is divided into several branches, each specializing in different aspects of intelligence work, such as political espionage,
counterterrorism, and cyber intelligence.Notable operationsMossad is renowned for several high-profile operations
One of the most famous is the capture of Adolf Eichmann, a key architect of the Holocaust, in Argentina in 1960, leading to his trial and
Another notable operation was the Entebbe rescue in 1976, where Mossad agents played a crucial role in rescuing hostages from a hijacked Air
France plane in Uganda.Controversies and criticismThe agency has been involved in various controversies, including assassinations and
alleged violations of international law
Its methods and operations are often shrouded in secrecy, leading to criticism and ethical debates
However, supporters argue that such actions are necessary for the security of Israel in a volatile geopolitical landscape.Technological
prowess and cyber intelligenceIn recent years, Mossad has significantly invested in cyber intelligence, becoming a leader in cyber warfare
This shift reflects the changing nature of global threats and the increasing importance of digital intelligence in national security.Global
presence and cooperationMossad operates globally, often working in collaboration with other intelligence agencies, including the CIA and MI6
This cooperation is crucial in combating international terrorism and dealing with threats that transcend national borders.
