Hundreds of ex-Israeli officials urge Trump to end Gaza conflict

Nearly 600 retired security officials from Israel have sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to exert pressure on Israel to halt the ongoing war in Gaza. This letter, which was signed by prominent figures including former heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet, expresses a belief that the military objectives against Hamas have largely been achieved and emphasizes the urgent need to secure the release of hostages currently held by Hamas. The appeal comes in light of the public release of distressing videos of Israeli hostages, sparking outrage both in Israel and internationally. This collective of retired senior defense and foreign service officials argues that the greatest threat from Hamas has been mitigated, suggesting that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) may have succeeded in dismantling Hamas's governance and military capabilities. They state that the focus should shift towards securing the safety of the hostages rather than pursuing further military operations. The letter underscores that the hostages, currently believed to number at least 49, cannot afford to wait for military escalations, and a deal must be negotiated to ensure their safe return. As the videos of the hostages triggered protests across Israel, public sentiment is mounting against the continuation of the military campaign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure, having met with officials to discuss the war's direction. Reports indicate that there is speculation surrounding plans to occupy Gaza entirely as part of the military strategy moving forward. The Israeli community has been overwhelmed by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by a warning from a UN-backed agency about potential famine conditions occurring in the region. The repercussions of the letter could lead to significant diplomatic movements as the retired officials urge a reevaluation of strategy toward both Hamas and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They call for a renewed focus on supporting the Palestinian Authority and fostering a two-state solution that would offer both Israelis and Palestinians a path toward peace. The culmination of these events represents a pivotal moment in Israeli politics, where the voices of former security officials could influence the current administration and public discourse surrounding the war in Gaza.