Official statements from the US State Department or major news outlets

Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Blocking Ceasefire, Hostage Talks as Blinken Arrives

Aug 18, 2024, 03:52 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of obstructing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. Netanyahu claims that Hamas has not sent a delegation to the talks in Doha, which are set to continue this week. He insists that pressure should be applied to Hamas and its leader Yahya Sinwar rather than Israel. This comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Israel to facilitate the discussions. Meanwhile, senior Hamas officials, including Ghazi Hamad and Osama Hamdan, have criticized Netanyahu, blaming him for complicating the ceasefire negotiations. The ongoing conflict has resulted in continued Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Netanyahu reiterated his stance during a cabinet meeting.