Egypt Daily News – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated that Israel will not yield to Hamas’ demands to end the conflict in Gaza as a prerequisite for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Netanyahu emphasizes that adhering to this principle is crucial for achieving the objectives of the current military operations.
His office confirmed that the Prime Minister is focused on retaining control over the Philadelphia Corridor, a strategic area bordering Egypt and Gaza, to prevent Hamas and other militant groups from rearming.
Netanyahu’s remarks follow Hamas’ accusations that he is impeding the negotiation process for a ceasefire. Hamas claims that Netanyahu is placing unnecessary obstacles during talks mediated by third parties, thereby extending the duration of the conflict.
They assert that Netanyahu’s demands reflect a rejection of a permanent ceasefire and continued control over key territories, complicating any potential prisoner exchange arrangements.
In its statement, Hamas expressed its commitment to a three-stage proposal previously outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden, which aims for the release of hostages, a comprehensive ceasefire, and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Hamas urged mediators to pressure the Israeli government to implement this plan, placing the responsibility for the current stalemate on Netanyahu and highlighting the risks faced by individuals on both sides due to the ongoing aggression.
