Benjamin Netanyahu
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the notion of a Gaza ceasefire, despite rumors of negotiations with Hamas for a temporary truce.
A Hamas source previously stated that negotiations were underway for the release of a dozen captives held by the Islamists, including six Americans, in exchange for a three-day ceasefire in Gaza.
“I’d like to put to rest all kinds of false rumors we’re hearing from all kinds of directions, and reiterate one clear thing: there will be no ceasefire without the release of our hostages”, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The cease-fire was arranged to allow Egypt an extended (period of time) to deliver humanitarian aid and let Hamas release the 12 captives.
“There’s disagreement around the time period and around the north (of the Gaza Strip), which is witnessing extensive combat operations”, a source familiar with the matter said.
According to Israeli authorities, fighting has raged in Gaza for nearly a month since Hamas’ shocking October 7 attack, which killed over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and captured 239 captives.
The Hamas-run Palestinian territory’s health ministry stated that 10,569 individuals, largely civilians, have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory military operation to eliminate Hamas.
In recent weeks, Qatar has engaged in intensive diplomacy to gain the release of prisoners detained by Hamas, negotiating the release of four hostages, two Israelis and two Americans.
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