Members of Kibbutz Nir Oz and Israeli officials hold a conference to secure an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to return hostages kidnapped during a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in Kibbutz Nir Oz, southern Israel, on August 18, 2024. | Photo credit: Reuters
Israel’s Prime Minister on Sunday (August 18, 2024) accused Hamas of obstructing talks for a Gaza ceasefire deal and called for more pressure on Palestinian militants ahead of a new round of talks scheduled for later this week.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks come as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to arrive in Israel on Sunday (August 18, 2024) to push for a deal that could help avert a wider confrontation.
“Hamas has so far taken a stubborn stance. It did not even send its representative for the talks in Doha. Therefore, the pressure should be on Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not on the Israeli government,” Mr Netanyahu said at the 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 to reach a deal.
Hamas official Osama Hamdan told on Thursday (August 15, 2024) AFP The movement informed the mediators that it would participate in Doha talksWhich would happen on Thursday (August 15, 2024) and Friday (August 16, 2024), if they “set forth a timetable for implementation” of what had already been agreed upon by Hamas.
Hamas also opposed Israel’s “new conditions”.
However, Mr Netanyahu told the cabinet that, “We are in talks and there is no scenario in which we just give in. There are some things we can be flexible on and there are some things we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on.”
He said “huge efforts” were being made to bring back the hostages.
“We stand firm on our set principles, 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.
This is his ninth visit to the Middle East since the Gaza war began. Hamas attacks Israel on October 7Mr Blinken will meet Mr Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders on Monday (August 19, 2024), followed by ceasefire talks resuming in Cairo at the end of the week.