Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that a cease-fire with Hamas is “not close,” disputing U.S. claims of significant progress in negotiations.
Netanyahu’s comments came after a senior Biden administration official suggested a deal was “ninety percent” agreed upon.
Netanyahu described this optimism as “exactly inaccurate” and attributed the stalled talks to Hamas’s actions and demands.
The U.S. official’s briefing highlighted two main sticking points: the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages and the status of Israeli forces in Gaza, specifically the Philadelphi corridor.
Netanyahu has emphasized that maintaining a military presence in this corridor is crucial for security, complicating the negotiations.
The recent killing of six hostages by Hamas has intensified the situation, leading to increased domestic pressure on Netanyahu and affecting the negotiation dynamics.
The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have been working to broker a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held since the October 7 attacks.
The ongoing violence and hostage situation continue to hinder progress towards a resolution.
