Official announcements from the Israeli government or Hamas, major news outlets like BBC, Reuters, or Al Jazeera

Protests Mount as Netanyahu Declares Cease-Fire Deal with Hamas Not Close Amid Hostage Crisis

Sep 5, 2024, 01:55 PM

Pressure is mounting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as protests erupt in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, urging him to secure a cease-fire deal with Hamas. The protests follow the murder of six hostages, which has intensified domestic and international calls for a resolution. Netanyahu has stated he is willing to make a deal but will not compromise on freeing the 101 remaining hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu defended military pressure as being instrumental to previous hostage releases. Despite ongoing negotiations, Netanyahu has emphasized that a cease-fire deal is not close, citing Hamas's rejectionism and unresolved issues, including the status of the Philadelphi Corridor.