Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday of attempting to “thwart” a potential Gaza truce deal, following Netanyahu’s claims that the Palestinian militant group has “rejected everything” in ongoing negotiations.
As pressure mounts on Netanyahu to finalize an agreement that would secure the release of remaining hostages, Hamas criticized his insistence on retaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a border zone between Gaza and Egypt. Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from the area, calling Netanyahu’s position an obstacle to reaching an agreement.
Hamas claimed there is no need for new proposals, stating that they had already agreed to a truce months ago under a plan outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden. The group accused Netanyahu of using the negotiations to extend the conflict.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller suggested that Washington believes “there are ways to address” the impasse, as efforts continue to mediate a ceasefire agreement.
