فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Sunday for “directing pressure on Hamas,” criticizing what he described as the movement’s “stubborn refusal” of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. This comes ahead of an anticipated new visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel.
Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office: “Hamas has so far insisted on its refusal and hasn’t even sent a representative to the Doha negotiations. Therefore, pressure should be directed towards Hamas and its leader Yahya Sinwar, not towards the Israeli government.”
Netanyahu emphasized that “strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure are the only ways to achieve the release of our hostages.”
Israeli negotiators had discussed on Thursday and Friday in Doha with Qatari, Egyptian, and American mediators the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Upon their return, they expressed to Netanyahu “moderate optimism,” according to his office.
The Prime Minister’s office added: “There is hope that the significant pressure from the United States and mediators on Hamas will allow for lifting its opposition to the American proposal,” noting that this proposal “includes elements acceptable to Israel.”
For its part, Hamas announced on Friday its rejection of “new conditions” in this proposal, denouncing “American dictates.”
Netanyahu reaffirmed on Sunday that Israel is conducting “negotiations, not an exchange where we give without receiving anything.” He added: “There are things we can be flexible about and others we cannot.”
Netanyahu is scheduled to receive U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday morning in Jerusalem, as part of his ninth visit to Israel since the war began on October 7th.
