The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to arrive later on Sunday to press for a solution, coinciding with the Israeli PM's remarks.
Prior to a new round of discussions later this week, Israel's prime minister called for further pressure on the Palestinians and accused Hamas of being a roadblock in the negotiations for a truce in Gaza on Sunday.
With US Secretary of State Antony Blinken scheduled to arrive in Israel later on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his remarks in an attempt to broker a solution that would help prevent a wider conflict.
"Hamas is still being stubborn at this point. It didn't even send a delegate to the Doha negotiations. Thus, the emphasis needs to be placed on Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, rather than the Israeli government, Netanyahu stated about the recently appointed head of Hamas during a cabinet meeting.
With US Secretary of State Antony Blinken scheduled to arrive in Israel later on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his remarks in an attempt to broker a solution that would help prevent a wider conflict.
"Hamas is still being stubborn at this point. It didn't even send a delegate to the Doha negotiations. Thus, the emphasis needs to be placed on Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, rather than the Israeli government, Netanyahu stated about the recently appointed head of Hamas during a cabinet meeting.
Pressuring Netanyahu to strike a deal is a demand made by Hamas, its Western ally Jordan, and the demonstrating captive sympathizers in Israel.
Osama Hamdan, an official for Hamas, told AFP on Thursday that the organization had promised mediators it would take part in the Doha negotiations, which were held on Thursday and Friday if they were given the task of "establishing a schedule for the execution" of the agreements Hamas had previously made.
Additionally, Hamas declared that it disagreed with Israel's "new conditions."
Osama Hamdan, an official for Hamas, told AFP on Thursday that the organization had promised mediators it would take part in the Doha negotiations, which were held on Thursday and Friday if they were given the task of "establishing a schedule for the execution" of the agreements Hamas had previously made.
Additionally, Hamas declared that it disagreed with Israel's "new conditions."
But Netanyahu informed the cabinet, "We are not in a situation where we just give and give. We are conducting negotiations." We will insist on certain things about which we are inflexible and others about which we are not. "Enormous efforts" are being made, according to him, to free the captives.
Netanyahu declared, "We firmly stand by the principles we have set, which are essential for Israel's security" and urged Hamas to make concessions by applying "strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure."
Blinken, who is on his eighth journey to the Middle East since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th, is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu and senior Israeli leaders on Monday before the truce negotiations pick back up in Cairo later this week.
Blinken, who is on his eighth journey to the Middle East since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th, is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu and senior Israeli leaders on Monday before the truce negotiations pick back up in Cairo later this week.
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