In response to Hamas’s reply to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a small team of ministers and senior security officials this evening (Saturday) at 8:30 PM to formulate Israel’s next steps in the negotiations.
A “Sick Organization” and “Manipulations and Psychological Warfare”
Tensions in the negotiations escalated after Hamas rejected the American proposal, which included the release of five live hostages and ten fallen hostages in exchange for the release of terrorists according to a predetermined ratio, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a cessation of military operations for a period of 42 to 50 days.
In response, the United States expressed outrage at Hamas, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it a “sick organization.” Israeli officials dismissed Hamas’s counterproposal as nothing more than “manipulations and psychological warfare.”
Ceasefire Continues – IDF Maintains Targeted Strikes
Despite the deadlock in negotiations, the ceasefire appears to be continuing on the ground, with the IDF carrying out only targeted strikes against terrorists posing an immediate threat to its forces. Reports from Gaza indicate that since this morning, nine people have been killed in Israeli strikes.
Israel continues to closely monitor developments, with assessments indicating that the coming hours will be critical in determining Israel’s course of action against Hamas—whether to intensify military pressure or persist with diplomatic efforts.
