Netanyahu Presses Hamas for New Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urges more pressure on Hamas to agree to a new Gaza deal. Hamas insists on an immediate ceasefire without new conditions, having declined the latest proposal. The conflict continues over issues like the Philadelphi corridor and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for increased pressure on Hamas to accept a new Gaza deal on Thursday. This follows Hamas' declaration of willingness to implement a ceasefire free of new conditions.

On Wednesday, Hamas' negotiations with Qatari and Egyptian mediators reiterated their readiness for an "immediate" ceasefire in Gaza. "Hamas is hiding its opposition to a hostage release deal and is obstructing the process," Netanyahu said.

Despite ongoing negotiations, no agreement has been reached in the 11-month-old war, with disputes over control of the Philadelphi corridor and the release of Palestinian prisoners. U.S. President Biden's original proposal included a three-phase ceasefire and the release of hostages, but the conflict persists.

(With inputs from agencies.)