Netanyahu ready to negotiate under fire, despite US pressure
Benjamin Netanyahu announced on social media that Israel is ready to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, he emphasised that Israel rules out a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the talks.
Netanyahu wrote on platform X that on Monday, he met with President Donald Trump’s envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.
"Then I spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump. I thanked President Trump for assistance in releasing IDF soldier Edan Alexander. For his part, President Trump again emphasised his commitment to Israel and his desire to continue close cooperation with me," assured Netanyahu.
"During my meeting with envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee, we discussed the last chance to implement the hostage release plan proposed by Witkoff before an escalation of the fighting occurs," highlighted the Israeli government leader.
He added that he ordered a negotiation team to be sent to talks scheduled for Tuesday in Doha, Qatar. "I made it clear that the negotiations will take place exclusively under fire," Netanyahu stated.
The U.S. talks with Hamas about a truce
Unofficial information indicates that talks between the U.S. and Hamas concerning a truce and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza are ongoing, although the U.S. State Department has not confirmed these reports.
Israeli media reports that these talks are causing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv. The Haaretz newspaper wrote that the Americans are pressuring the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire before Trump’s visit, warning that otherwise "Israel will be left on its own."
Israelis want the hostages freed
On 18 March, the Israeli government resumed military operations after nearly two months of a ceasefire, aiming to force further concessions from Hamas. Tel Aviv wants both the release of hostages and the complete annihilation of Hamas.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian organisation declares openness to an agreement but only one that guarantees the cessation of military actions - to which Israel objects.
Polls indicate that many Israelis support a truce that would allow the release of hostages, even at the cost of ending the war. Families of the abducted accuse the government of being driven by political motives.
The Israeli army reports that 24 hostages remain captive, and the bodies of 35 people are held by Hamas.
