The Palestinian Hamas movement has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of showing an unwillingness to negotiate an end to the military operation in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. This accusation came in response to Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress, where he spoke about the ongoing conflict.
"Netanyahu's talk of intensifying attempts to return the hostages is a complete lie and misleads Israeli, American and international public opinion, although it is he who has thwarted all efforts to end the war and conclude a deal to release the captives, despite the constant mediation efforts of our brothers in Egypt and Qatar, despite the flexibility and positive attitude shown by the movement," the statement read. Hamas held Netanyahu "fully responsible for the consequences of this approach and the fate of the held hostages in the Gaza Strip."
In his address to the US Senate and House of Representatives, Netanyahu stated that the military operation in Gaza could conclude quickly if Hamas disarmed and released the hostages. He emphasized that Israel would continue its military campaign until Hamas's military and managerial capabilities were destroyed and the hostages were freed.
The conflict sharply escalated following the October 7, 2023, incursion of Hamas fighters from Gaza into Israeli territory. In retaliation, Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza, launched airstrikes against the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria, and commenced a ground operation aimed at rescuing the hostages.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS