Netanyahu cannot accept Hamas’s condition for a ceasefire in Gaza to end the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday rejected Hamas’s demand to end the Gaza war in exchange for the release of hostages, saying that such an agreement would mean empowering the group in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Prime Minister added that his country is willing to pause the fighting in exchange for the release of hostages, but Hamas’s continued presence in Gaza poses a threat to Israel.
It is estimated that Hamas still holds more than 130 individuals taken as hostages during the October 7 attack.
The statements of the Israeli Prime Minister on Monday came as Hamas leaders negotiated for a ceasefire for the second consecutive day in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. According to reports, there has been no progress in these talks as Hamas continues to insist on ending the Gaza war as a condition for any ceasefire agreement.