Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded concessions before new negotiations on the release of hostages from the radical Islamic group Hamas.
“We are making great efforts to succeed, but one thing is clear to you – we will not capitulate to Hamas’ delusional demands,” he said in Tel Aviv last night. While US Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate ceasefire, the Israeli army announced the assassination of more Hamas members.
Israel demands list of hostages
Before Netanyahu's speech, another meeting of the mediating states US, Qatar and Egypt took place in Cairo, but Israel – unlike Hamas – initially stayed away. Israel initially demands that the Islamists provide, among other things, a list of the hostages they are still holding alive. Netanyahu made it clear that it was too early to say whether there would be a concept for a deal in the coming days.
US Vice President Harris pushed for a ceasefire. “The threat that Hamas poses to the Israeli people must be eliminated,” she said in Selma, Alabama. Referring to ongoing negotiations, she added: “And given the immeasurable extent of the suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is currently on the table.”