Israel is claiming Hamas, the terrorist organization that controls Gaza, is not acting in good faith in negotiations for a ceasefire, a sentiment echoed by the U.S. State Department. Netanyahu called Hamas’ demands for a ceasefire “delusional” while the State Department called them “untenable.”
The purpose of the negotiations seemd more about Hamas ginning up public support by playing the victim to Israel, who refuses to allow a ceasefire that could save hostages and children, if Israel and the State Department are to believed. At this point, consider this writer skeptical of everything any major actor claims in connection to this conflict.
Excerpt:
The global attempt to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas appeared to have suffered a setback, with Israel reportedly recalling its negotiating team and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hamas of impeding the high-stakes talks by clinging to “delusional” demands.
PM Netanyahu’s remarks came hours after local media reported that the Israeli leader had ordered an Israeli delegation not to continue talks in Cairo, raising concerns over the fate of the negotiations and sparking criticism from the families of the roughly 130 remaining captives, about a fourth of whom are said to be dead.
The mediation efforts, led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to bring the warring sides closer to an agreement that could secure a truce in the months-long conflict, which has killed over 28,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, according to local health officials. The war has damaged significant areas of Gaza, displaced the majority of the territory’s inhabitants, and triggered a humanitarian crisis.