Netanyahu: Ceasefire Talks with Hamas and the Attack on Refah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he instructed the delegation heading to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, for ceasefire negotiations with Hamas to continue to insist on the necessary conditions for the release of hostages. He also emphasized the importance of continuing to insist on the demands essential for Israel’s security.

Attack on Rafah and Pressure on Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made statements regarding the attack launched on the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip and the ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Netanyahu stated, “Last night, with the approval of the Security Cabinet, I ordered the IDF to take action in Rafah. Israeli flags were raised at the Rafah Border Crossing, while Hamas flags were lowered. Entry into Rafah serves the two main objectives of the war: to retrieve our hostages and to eliminate Hamas,” he said.

Netanyahu’s Perspective on Hamas Ceasefire Offer and Israel’s Stance

Netanyahu claimed that military pressure on Hamas is necessary to bring the hostages home, and he alleged that Hamas’ acceptance of the ceasefire offer presented by Egypt and Qatar yesterday was to prevent the Israeli army’s entry into Rafah. Netanyahu stated that the Security Cabinet unanimously decided on the attack on Rafah and emphasized that “Hamas’ proposal was far from Israel’s basic demands.”

“Continue to insist on the necessary conditions for the release of our hostages”

Netanyahu stressed that Israel would not accept an offer endangering the country’s security and future, stating, “Therefore, I have instructed the high-level delegation heading to Cairo to insist on the necessary conditions for the release of our hostages and to continue to insist on the demands essential for Israel’s security.”