The possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza was once again dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, despite rumors of talks with Hamas on a short-term ceasefire.
Prior to this, a source close to Hamas claimed that negotiations were in progress to exchange a three-day ceasefire in Gaza for the release of twelve hostages, including six Americans, held by the Islamists.
“I’d like to put to rest all kinds of false rumours we’re hearing from all kinds of directions, and reiterate one clear thing: there will be no ceasefire without the release of our hostages,” Netanyahu said.
The source close to Hamas had said the pause in fighting was being brokered “to enable Egypt an extended (period of time) to deliver humanitarian aid” and let Hamas release the 12 hostages.
“There’s disagreement around the time period and around the north (of the Gaza Strip), which is witnessing extensive combat operations,” the source said.
Earlier Wednesday, a separate source briefed on the talks said Qatar was mediating negotiations in coordination with the US to free “10-15 hostages in exchange for a one- to two-day ceasefire”.
Fighting has raged in Gaza for over a month following Hamas’ shock October 7 attack that killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and took 239 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
In Gaza, 10,569 people, also mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory military campaign to destroy Hamas, the health ministry in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory has said.
Qatar has been engaged in intense diplomacy to secure the release of those held by Hamas, negotiating the handover of four hostages — two Israelis and two Americans — in recent weeks.
