US and Arab nations hold ‘serious negotiations’ with Israel for a second ceasefire as it continues to ramp up its offensive against Hamas
Israel is engaged in “serious negotiations” with Arab leaders over a second ceasefire, but continued to step up its offensive in Gaza yesterday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas that despite the ongoing talks, it has a “simple” choice: “Surrender or die.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has escalated its fighting with some of the most intense bombing since the start of the war. But diplomatic efforts have also intensified, with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Egypt for a second day of talks.
White House spokesman John Kirby said: “These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope they go somewhere. We are pushing.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen confirmed that negotiations over the release of hostages were ongoing, but declined to provide details. He reiterated Israel's position that the war would not end as long as Hamas controls Gaza, saying there is “no question of reducing its intensity, at least not in the coming weeks.”
White House spokesman John Kirby said: “These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope they go somewhere. We are pushing.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas that despite the ongoing talks, it has a 'simple' choice: 'Surrender or die'
Haniyeh's media adviser said Hamas “cannot talk about negotiations as long as Israel continues its aggression.”
The terror group's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, also mocked Israel, saying their war is “doomed to failure.” Spokesman Abu Obeida said there was “no alternative” to negotiations and warned that Israeli fire could lead to the deaths of more hostages.
He took aim at Israel's leader, whose “decision… evades facing and acknowledging the truth.” But Mr Netanyahu said: “The choice I propose to Hamas is very simple: surrender or die. They have no other choice – and will have no other choice. And after we eliminate Hamas, I will use all my power to ensure that Gaza never threatens Israel again.”
Israel unleashed a massive bomb explosion on northern Gaza yesterday, while Hamas fired a volley of rockets at Tel Aviv. Air defenses disabled the missiles, but shrapnel fell on a school. It is believed that this is the right time to send a message to those gathered in Egypt that after eleven weeks of war, Israel has not destroyed the military capabilities of the terrorists.
Destroyed buildings lie in ruins in the Gaza Strip
Israeli soldiers stand guard as trucks carrying humanitarian aid drive on the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing with the southern Gaza Strip
Smoke rises after an airstrike on Gaza
Both sides also appear far from close to an agreement on a ceasefire, with Hamas claiming that all factions in Gaza were united against a temporary ceasefire.
Sources said they agreed on “no discussion of prisoners or exchange agreements except after a complete cessation of aggression.”
The UN Security Council was due to vote again on the Arab-backed humanitarian ceasefire, which has been repeatedly postponed since Monday. The draft would give the UN a broader role in overseeing aid shipments.
But Washington said there were concerns that the resolution in its current form “could actually slow down” deliveries.
About 129 Israelis remain in custody and the Hamas-led Health Ministry in Gaza claims 20,000 people have been killed. The World Health Organization said the last hospital in the northern half of the Gaza Strip is effectively non-functional.