Truce talks in Cairo at the request of US President Joe Biden failed because Hamas’ demands were “delusional,” according to Benjamin Netanyahu.
Egyptian- and Qatari-mediated talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of more than 100 Israeli hostages held in Hamas-controlled territory have so far failed.
Netanyahu commented as follows: “We got nothing except for delusional demands from Hamas,” adding that Israeli representatives in Cairo “sat and listened and there was no change. I wanted to say not a millimetre – but there was not a nanometre of change.”
The demands included ending the war and leaving Hamas as it is, releasing “thousands of murderers” from Israeli prisons, and even demands for the holy site in Jerusalem, known as the Temple Mount in Judaism and the Noble Sanctuary in Islam, according to the Israeli prime minister.
In turn, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh accused Israel of making no progress in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the group said in a statement on Saturday.
Simultaneously, discontent with Israel’s policies is growing as thousands of Israelis gathered outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv to support the hostages still in Gaza and to pressure Netanyahu for an agreement with Hamas. They held photographs and signs calling for their release.
In addition, regarding the possible “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, Netanyahu stressed: “Israel under my leadership will continue to strongly oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.” He also drew attention to the fact that any agreements “can be reached only through direct negotiations between the sides, without preconditions.”
The Hamas attack killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israel. The militants took 253 hostages, although more than 100 were released during a brief November truce.
Israeli offensives have destroyed much of Gaza, killing 28,775 people, also mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health officials, and forcing nearly all of the more than two million residents from their homes.
