Hamas blames Netanyahu for placing more ‘obstacles’ on negotiations
Hamas says that while it is trying to showcase “flexibility and positivity” in its position to reach a ceasefire agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to place “obstacles” to hinder the process, the group said in a statement.
It said Netanyahu is also escalating Israel’s “aggression” against Palestinians and is continuing to forcibly displace families in Gaza. Hamas called on mediators and the international community to intervene to put an end to Netanyahu’s “crimes … and the genocide”.
The group added that it will continue with its “resistance” in the face of Israel’s “fascist forces”.
Israeli ‘killings, displacement’ could put ceasefire talks back at square one
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh says that Israel’s military attacks in Gaza could push mediated ceasefire talks back to square one, according to a statement on the group’s Telegram channel.
“In light of the massacres, killings and displacement it is carrying out, Ismail Haniyeh made urgent contacts with the mediators, warning of disastrous repercussions, noting that this would return the negotiation process to square one,” it said.
In a call with mediators, Haniyeh said he held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s army fully responsible for the potential collapse of negotiations, the statement said.
White House says gaps remain between Israel and Hamas on ceasefire deal
Senior US officials are in Cairo for talks to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but gaps still remain between the two sides, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
Kirby said CIA Director Bill Burns and US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk were in Egypt, meeting with their Egyptian, Israeli and Jordanian counterparts, adding that there will be “follow-on discussions” in the next few days.
The comments come as Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh warned that ongoing Israeli military attacks in Gaza could push talks back to square one. In a call with mediators, Haniyeh said he held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s army fully responsible for the potential collapse of negotiations, a statement by the group said.
US says Israel not doing enough to protect Palestinian civilians
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby says Israel can do more to protect civilians in Gaza amid its continued bombardment of the enclave.
“[The] Israelis have taken some steps to be more precise, more discriminate and more careful in their operations. Is it enough? No. So we’re going to keep at it, we’re going to keep working on this,” Kirby said.
Pressed on what concrete steps the administration of US President Joe Biden is taking to pressure Israel to do more, Kirby responded: “It’s never right to be conducting indiscriminate bombing of a civilian population.”
“That’s why we continue to work with the Israelis to be more precise, to be more careful.”
