PM Benjamin Netanyahu says there will be no temporary truce without the release of hostages.

By Paul Adams in Jerusalem, Anthony Zucher in Tel Aviv & Graeme Baker BBC News

Israel has rebuffed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s call for a “humanitarian pause” in Gaza.

Mr Blinken said he had discussed the idea with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials during their talks in Tel Aviv.

But in a TV statement minutes later, Mr Netanyahu said Israel rejected “a temporary ceasefire that does not include the release of our hostages”.

He said that Israel was “continuing with all our force” against Hamas.

…

  • Nobody@lemmy.worldEnglish
    121·
    11 months ago

    Qatar might be able to work out a deal to release a handful of hostages for a temporary ceasefire. Give Gaza time to get clean water, food,evacuate the wounded, and most importantly get both sides talking.

    • mwguy@infosec.pubOPEnglish
      510·
      11 months ago

      I’m pretty sure Hamas has flatly denied the possibility of hostage release.

      • emax_gomax@lemmy.worldEnglish
        32·
        11 months ago

        Last I heard hamas wanted a hostage trade (for hamas terrorists). Although Israel unwillingness to comply seems to me less like playing hard ball and more trying to save face after letting hamas attack and take their people.

        • mwguy@infosec.pubOPEnglish
          24·
          11 months ago

          The last time they traded terrorists for civilians those terrorists were used to conduct a slave raid against their people.