Members of Kibbutz Nir Oz and Israeli officials hold a conference calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to reach a deal for the return of the hostages kidnapped during the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 in Kibbutz Nir Oz, in southern Israel. on August 18, 2024. | Photo credit: Reuters
Israel’s prime minister on Sunday (Aug 18, 2024) accused Hamas of being an obstacle to ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and called for more pressure on Palestinian militants ahead of a new round of talks later this week.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was due to arrive in Israel later on Sunday (Aug 18, 2024) to push for a deal that could help prevent a wider conflagration.
“Hamas remains stubborn until this moment. It did not even send a representative to the Doha talks. Therefore, the pressure must be focused on Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, and not on the Israeli government,” Mr Netanyahu said. during a cabinet meeting, referring to the newly appointed Hamas chief.
Western ally Jordan, hostage supporters protesting in Israel, and Hamas itself have called for pressure on Mr Netanyahu so a deal can be reached.
On Thursday (August 15, 2024), Hamas official Osama told Hamdan AFP the movement informed the mediators that they would participate in the Doha talks, which took place on Thursday (August 15, 2024) and Friday (August 16, 2024), if they “set a timetable for the implementation” of what Hamas had already agreed to .
Hamas also announced its opposition to what it called “new conditions” from Israel.
However, Mr Netanyahu told the Cabinet: “We are in negotiations and not a scenario where we just give and give. There are things we can be flexible about and there are things we cannot be flexible about, and we will continue to push for that. on.”
He said “tremendous efforts” were being made to bring the hostages home.
“We stand firmly behind the principles we have established, which are essential for Israel’s security,” Mr. Netanyahu said, calling for “strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure” on Hamas to reach an agreement .
Mr Blinken is making his ninth trip to the Middle East since the start of the Gaza war with Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. Mr Blinken will meet Mr Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders on Monday (August 19, 2024) before ceasefire talks resume later in Cairo. during the week.
