Israel Netanyahu: "Hamas does not want a deal"
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Islamist Hamas has no interest in an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of hostages.
04.08.2025, 01:16
SDA
"I understand exactly what Hamas wants. They don't want a deal," he said in a video message, according to an English translation by the Times of Israel. He is now even more determined to free the hostages and smash Hamas.
The Forum of Hostage Families criticized his remarks. "For 22 months, the public has been sold the illusion that military pressure and intense fighting will bring the hostages back," the newspaper quoted a statement by the group, which represents the majority of the families of the 50 hostages still being held in Gaza. "The truth must be told: The expansion of the war is endangering the lives of the hostages who are in imminent danger of death. We have seen the terrifying images of the hostages in the tunnels, they will not survive more long days of horror," the forum's statement continued.
Netanyahu had previously stated: "They (Hamas) want to break us - with these horrific videos, with the false horror propaganda they are spreading around the world." But they will not allow themselves to be broken. The head of government referred to two hostage videos that the Palestinian terrorist organization had published in recent days.
They show two young men held captive by the Islamists in dark and narrow tunnels in the Gaza Strip, in a state of acute malnutrition, dwindling physical strength and emotional brokenness.
Leadership considers military action
According to media reports, the Israeli leadership is indeed considering military action to free the last hostages. Netanyahu is striving to achieve the release of the hostages "by way of a military victory", according to a statement sent to several Israeli newspapers by an unnamed government official.
There is a dialog with the American leadership in this regard and it is becoming clear that Hamas is not interested in an agreement through indirect negotiations. However, humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population is to remain guaranteed, with the exception of combat zones and areas under Hamas control.
According to Israel, there are still 50 hostages held by Hamas and other groups, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Months of efforts to bring about a ceasefire through indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas and to secure the release of the hostages have so far been unsuccessful.
