Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Contradicting Ceasefire Framework Amidst Gaza Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the Palestinian militant group Hamas of making demands that contradict a ceasefire framework brokered by Washington. Amidst ongoing peace talks in Egypt and Qatar, Gaza City residents face dire conditions due to a renewed Israeli assault, with many refusing to evacuate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday accused Palestinian militant group Hamas of making demands that contradict a framework deal brokered by Washington on a possible ceasefire in Gaza. As Netanyahu spoke, Gaza City residents were trapped in houses and bodies lay uncollected following a recent Israeli assault that Hamas claims could jeopardize ceasefire prospects.

The United States is advocating for a peace agreement during talks in Egypt and Qatar to end the Gaza conflict, now in its tenth month. Israel's Shin Bet intelligence agency head was en route to Cairo for negotiations, according to Netanyahu's office. At a military ceremony in Israel, Netanyahu stated, "I am dedicated to the framework deal for freeing our hostages, but the Hamas murderers are insisting on demands that contradict the framework and endanger Israel."

Netanyahu did not specify those demands. In Washington, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan noted that many details remain unresolved to secure an agreement. "There's still miles to go before we close if we can at all. So, I don't want to say it's immediately around the corner, but it doesn't have to be far out if everyone is willing to get it done," Sullivan told reporters. Hamas stated that mediators had not updated it on the talks' status since making concessions last week in response to a U.S.-backed Israeli peace offer.