Israel has dispatched negotiators to Cairo in response to a request from US President Joe Biden for truce talks. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Saturday that further discussions did not occur due to what he deemed as “delusional” demands from Hamas.
Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s stance on not yielding to “international dictates” in relation to a statehood agreement with the Palestinians.
Netanyahu asserted that such agreements should be achieved through direct negotiations without preconditions.
Mediated by Egypt and Qatar, the talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of over 100 Israeli hostages held in the Hamas-controlled territory have yet to yield results. The recent round of talks in Cairo ended inconclusively on Tuesday.
During a press conference, Netanyahu explained the decision to not resume talks, citing unrealistic demands from Hamas. These demands included ending the war, maintaining the status quo for Hamas, releasing “thousands of murderers” from Israeli jails, and making claims about the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu stated that the Israeli representatives in Cairo witnessed no change during the talks, emphasizing that there was no reason for them to return until substantial changes were observed.
Thousands of Israelis gathered outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv, urging Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas and supporting the release of hostages in Gaza.
Among them was Michael Levy, whose brother was taken hostage in a Hamas attack triggering the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, with time running out for the hostages.
Netanyahu expressed opposition to the “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, asserting that such recognition would be a “bigger prize for terrorism.” He reiterated Israel’s stance on reaching an arrangement only through direct negotiations without preconditions.
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh blamed Israel for the lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Haniyeh insisted on a complete cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the lifting of the siege, and the release of Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences in Israeli jails.
