Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel on Friday empty-handed after failing to secure a truce with Hamas during discussions in Washington, where he met with President Trump and other American officials. Negotiations remain stalled as mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar grapple with central issues such as the duration of a cease-fire, the potential withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the distribution of humanitarian aid during a truce.
Netanyahu Returns from Washington Without Gaza Truce
Netanyahu Returns from Washington Without Gaza Truce
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finishes talks with U.S. officials, leaving key issues unresolved in ongoing Gaza conflict.
Before departing, Netanyahu expressed a commitment to achieving a two-month cease-fire, contingent upon Hamas releasing a portion of the approximately 50 hostages held in Gaza, including both the living and deceased. However, he firmly stated that any agreement would require Hamas to renounce its weapons, insisting that discussions around the cessation of hostilities hinge on conditions including the demilitarization of Gaza and the dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities.
Hamas officials quickly rejected this framework, declaring disarmament would not be included in the negotiations. Basem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, emphasized that Hamas would never agree to such terms, casting further uncertainty on the prospect of a negotiated resolution to the violence. The future of discussions remains precarious as both sides hold firm to their positions.
Hamas officials quickly rejected this framework, declaring disarmament would not be included in the negotiations. Basem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, emphasized that Hamas would never agree to such terms, casting further uncertainty on the prospect of a negotiated resolution to the violence. The future of discussions remains precarious as both sides hold firm to their positions.
