Israel is engaged in complex negotiations for the return of its hostages held in Gaza but will also have to adhere to principles vital to its security, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today at the start of an Israeli cabinet meeting.
“There are things we can be flexible about. And there are things we can’t be flexible about, and we stick to them. We know very well how to tell the difference between the two,” he noted.
Besides, as reported by Agence France-Presse, the Israeli prime minister called for “the pressure to be directed at Hamas”. While at the same time, he denounced its “stubborn refusal” to an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza. The statements came shortly before a new visit by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Israel.
“Hamas has, until now, persisted in its denial and did not even send a representative to the Doha negotiations. Consequently, pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahia leader) Sinwar, and not at the Israeli government,” Netanyahu said, according to a statement from his office.
Moderate optimism from negotiators
Israel’s negotiating team appeared “cautiously optimistic” about the possibility of reaching a deal to free the hostages, according to a statement issued tonight by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
“The team expressed cautious optimism to the prime minister about the possibility of reaching an agreement based on the latest US proposal (which is based on the May 27 framework),” the statement said, following the conclusion of the latest round of ceasefire talks in Gaza Strip, yesterday.
The Israeli prime minister’s office added that it hoped pressure on Hamas from the US and international mediators would help lift its objections and make progress.
On Friday, Hamas said it rejected “the new conditions” set by the new proposal, denouncing “American orders”.
Over 40,000 dead Palestinians
At least 40,074 Palestinians have been killed and 92,537 injured in the Israeli army’s offensive in the enclave since October 7, the health ministry of the Palestinian enclave ruled by the Islamist group Hamas said in a statement on Saturday.
At least 69 people have been killed in the past 48 hours, said Hamas’ health ministry, which usually does not report on Friday.
Source: RES-MPE
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