Netanyahu calls for greater pressure on Hamas

(Patria) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed yesterday for "pressure to be directed at Hamas" and condemned their "stubborn refusal" of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, just before a new visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel.

- Hamas persists in its refusal and did not even send a representative to the negotiations in Doha. Therefore, pressure should be directed at Hamas and its leader Yahya Sinwar, not at the Israeli government.

Strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure are the only way to free our hostages - said Netanyahu, his office announced, reports AFP.

Israeli negotiators spoke on Thursday and Friday in Doha with Qatari, Egyptian and US mediators about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. Upon their return, they expressed their "cautious optimism" to Netanyahu, his office stated.

"There is hope that significant pressure from the US and the mediators on Hamas will enable the removal of Hamas's opposition to the US proposal, which 'includes elements acceptable to Israel'," the Prime Minister's office said.

Hamas announced on Friday that it rejects "new conditions" in this proposal, condemning "the American dictate."

Netanyahu reiterated yesterday that Israel is conducting "negotiations, not an exchange in which we only give and receive nothing."

- There are things in which we can be flexible and others in which we cannot. Therefore, while making considerable efforts to bring back our hostages, we remain firm on the principles we have established, which are crucial for Israel's security - he said.

Netanyahu will receive Blinken in Jerusalem today, who is coming to Israel for the ninth time since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip.