By Luis De Jesus
Feb 25, 2024, 10:33 PM EST
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, stated this Sunday that there will only be an agreement for a truce in Gaza if Hamas abandons its “delusional” demands.
In an interview with the American network CBS, he acknowledged the strong differences and the need for the terrorist group to adjust to reality to achieve progress in the negotiations.
“If Hamas gives up its delusional demands and wakes up to reality, then we will have the progress we all want,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader expressed gratitude for the efforts of the United States, Egypt and Qatar, main mediators in the peace talks between Israel and Hamas, which are seeking a solution that will end the conflict in Gaza and allow an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Talks in Doha: search for a truce in Gaza and release of hostages
Delegations from Egypt, Qatar, the United States, Israel and Hamas resumed talks in Doha to reach a truce in the Gaza Strip, according to Egyptian state television Al Qahera News.
The negotiations, the media noted, are being carried out between experts from the countries involved, seeking to agree on a ceasefire before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
An Egyptian security source, who requested anonymity, mentioned that Hamas “has retracted several of its demands that Israel opposed” to agree to a truce, the Efe news agency noted. However, he also said there was “Israeli intransigence” to agree to a cessation of fighting.
Obstacles and progress in peace talks
The main obstacle in the negotiations is the number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who would be released in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Israeli media revealed significant progress in the Paris negotiations, proposing a six-week truce and the release of hostages in exchange for the release of between 200 and 300 Palestinian prisoners.
Tension on the northern border: Israel increases pressure on Hezbollah
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced plans to increase firepower against the Lebanese group Hezbollah and take advantage of a potential truce with Hamas to intensify operations in the north against the Shiite group, Efe published.
Gallant’s statements coincide with an intensification of clashes on the border between Israel and Lebanon, with exchanges of fire and attacks from both sides.
The border is experiencing its highest peak of tension since 2006 with an intense exchange of fire that has lasted more than four months and has claimed the lives of at least 298 people, the majority on the Lebanese side and in the ranks of Hezbollah.
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