Cairo: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected the idea of halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza under conditions suggested by Hamas, which would require ending hostilities in exchange for the release of over 130 hostages currently held by the group.
Speaking on 5 May, Netanyahu stated that accepting such demands would effectively leave Hamas in control of Gaza, posing a continued threat to Israel.
Despite being open to pausing the fighting to aid the release of hostages, Netanyahu criticised Hamas for upholding what he described as extreme demands, including the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. “Israel cannot accept that,” he affirmed, emphasising concerns that Hamas would persist with its violent activities, including massacres, rapes, and kidnappings.
Meanwhile, in Cairo, Hamas leaders engaged in a second day of discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators without making any tangible progress. Palestinian officials reported that Hamas insists any truce must encompass a full cessation of the war.
The conflict, which erupted following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October that led to 1,200 deaths and 252 abductions, has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military response has thus far caused over 34,600 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction across Gaza, as reported by the local health ministry.
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