2024-08-18 15:44:49
The prospect of reconciliation between Israel and Hamas has become even more distant in recent days, with Hamas rejecting “new positions” in a proposal made on Friday, opposing “American diktats”. An Israeli strike in Gaza on Saturday further damaged Islamist movements. This Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu also called to “lead the pressure on Hamas”, opposing the “stubborn rejection” of an agreement on a peace settlement.
“Hamas, until now, has been stubborn in its denial and has not sent a representative to the Doha negotiations. Therefore, pressure should be directed at Hamas and (its leader Yahya) Sinouar, not at the Israeli government,” Benjamin Netanyahu said, according to a press release from his office. “Strong military pressure and strong government pressure is the only way to get the release of our hostages,” he stressed.
Antony Blinken is expected Monday
Israeli negotiators discussed on Wednesday and Friday in Doha with Qatari, Egyptian and American mediators for a release in Gaza associated with the release of hostages to Palestinian prisoners. On their return, they expressed “moderate expectations” to the Israeli prime minister, according to his office. “We hope that the significant pressure from the United States and mediators on Hamas will make it possible to raise its opposition to the American proposal,” which “includes elements that are acceptable to Israel,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel is conducting “a negotiation, not an exchange where we only give without receiving anything”. “There are some things we can lean on and others we can’t,” he stressed.
“This is why, in addition to the many efforts to restore our values, we stand firmly on the principles that have been established, which are important to the security of Israel,” said the Prime Minister of Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also indicated that he will receive Antony Blinken on Monday morning in Jerusalem, as part of his ninth visit to Israel since the start of the war on October 7.
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