“Netanyahu Faces Accusations of ‘Abandoning’ Hostages as Ceasefire Deal Remains Uncertain”

In a recent meeting with families of hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed that reaching a ceasefire agreement might be challenging. He emphasized that the Israeli military would maintain control over the Gazan-Egyptian border, rejecting a crucial demand from Hamas.

The Hostages Families Forum reported Netanyahu’s firm stance, stating that Israel “will under no circumstances leave the Philadelphia axis and the Netzer Corridor.” Netanyahu also expressed doubt about the possibility of a deal being reached, leading the group to accuse him of refusing any potential agreement.

“There is no hope or heroism in a ‘firm’ stand that could result in the continued loss of all the abductees,” the group voiced in a social media post, accusing the Israeli government of abandoning the hostages both on October 7th and now permanently.

The Biden administration has been actively promoting a compromise proposal, with hopes of finalizing a deal by the end of the week. While Netanyahu signaled tentative acceptance of the plan, Hamas quickly dismissed it as merely a list of Israel’s demands. Shortly after, President Joe Biden criticized Hamas for “backing away” from the negotiations.

In response, Hamas expressed “great astonishment and disapproval” at Biden’s remarks, accusing the U.S. of complete bias towards Israel and full complicity in what they described as aggression and genocide against civilians in Gaza.