Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that a ceasefire will not go ahead until Hamas releases a list of hostages to be freed. The demand comes after weeks of escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu’s announcement comes as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with hundreds of Palestinians killed and thousands more injured in the conflict. Israel has also suffered casualties, with several civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas rocket attacks.
The Israeli Prime Minister has made it clear that the release of hostages is a non-negotiable demand for any ceasefire agreement. He has stated that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire until Hamas provides a list of all hostages being held by the group, along with their conditions of release.
Hamas has so far not responded to Netanyahu’s demand, leading to uncertainty over the possibility of a ceasefire in the near future. The group has previously demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails in exchange for the release of hostages, but it is unclear if they will agree to Netanyahu’s new conditions.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire to end the violence and loss of life in the region. The United Nations, the United States, and other world leaders have condemned the violence and called for both sides to de-escalate the situation.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has sparked protests and demonstrations around the world, with many calling for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict. The situation remains tense, with no clear end in sight to the hostilities.
Netanyahu’s demand for the release of hostages as a condition for a ceasefire adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation. It remains to be seen if Hamas will agree to his terms, or if the conflict will continue to escalate in the coming days.