Netanyahu ‘sabotaged’ Palestinian peace negotiations – CNN
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emphasis on retaining a military presence in Gaza has allegedly obstructed peace initiatives. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to keep Israeli forces in Gaza near the Egyptian border is raising concerns about its impact on peace negotiations and the potential release of hostages, according to a report by CNN on Monday.
U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has been actively trying to advance a ceasefire and facilitate a hostage agreement, the news outlet noted. The urgency for peace escalated after six bodies, one of whom was an American-Israeli, were found in a tunnel in Gaza this past weekend.
During a media session on Monday, President Biden stated his administration was nearing the introduction of a "final" hostage deal to the conflicting parties.
Nevertheless, at a press briefing in Jerusalem on the same day, Netanyahu made a firm commitment to retaining control over the critical 14km stretch of land adjacent to the Gaza-Egyptian border, known as the Philadelphi corridor. He argued that maintaining an Israeli military presence in the area is crucial for securing a victory against Hamas.
A Washington insider expressed frustration to CNN about Netanyahu’s remarks, saying, “this guy [Netanyahu] torpedoed everything in one speech.”
The Israeli prime minister's position on the Philadelphi corridor is now a major stumbling block in achieving a ceasefire agreement, as per sources close to the CNN negotiations. This insistence represents a shift in Israel's stance.
During peace negotiations facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. in May, the initial Israeli proposal for a hostage release and ceasefire did not address the Philadelphi corridor. It was only in July that Israel introduced this as a non-negotiable aspect of the agreement.
Hamas has criticized Israel for extending the negotiation process by adding new demands. “There will be no deal without the Israeli military withdrawing from the Philadelphi corridor,” Khalil Al-Hayya, the lead negotiator for Hamas, declared to Al Jazeera on Sunday.
Netanyahu’s recent statements have also prompted criticism from opposition parties and family members of the hostages. Opposition leader Yair Lapid refuted Netanyahu's stance as “unfounded political spin,” stating that it bears no connection to reality. According to the Hostages Families Forum, Netanyahu’s words indicate an unwillingness to ensure the hostages' return.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated dramatically following an attack by the Palestinian militant group on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,100 Israeli casualties and led to more than 200 individuals being taken hostage. While some hostages have been freed through prisoner exchanges or rescue missions, Hamas reportedly still holds 103 captives.
The Israeli military response has led to nearly 41,000 deaths, with the majority being women and children in Gaza, as reported by Palestinian health figures.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has been actively trying to advance a ceasefire and facilitate a hostage agreement, the news outlet noted. The urgency for peace escalated after six bodies, one of whom was an American-Israeli, were found in a tunnel in Gaza this past weekend.
During a media session on Monday, President Biden stated his administration was nearing the introduction of a "final" hostage deal to the conflicting parties.
Nevertheless, at a press briefing in Jerusalem on the same day, Netanyahu made a firm commitment to retaining control over the critical 14km stretch of land adjacent to the Gaza-Egyptian border, known as the Philadelphi corridor. He argued that maintaining an Israeli military presence in the area is crucial for securing a victory against Hamas.
A Washington insider expressed frustration to CNN about Netanyahu’s remarks, saying, “this guy [Netanyahu] torpedoed everything in one speech.”
The Israeli prime minister's position on the Philadelphi corridor is now a major stumbling block in achieving a ceasefire agreement, as per sources close to the CNN negotiations. This insistence represents a shift in Israel's stance.
During peace negotiations facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. in May, the initial Israeli proposal for a hostage release and ceasefire did not address the Philadelphi corridor. It was only in July that Israel introduced this as a non-negotiable aspect of the agreement.
Hamas has criticized Israel for extending the negotiation process by adding new demands. “There will be no deal without the Israeli military withdrawing from the Philadelphi corridor,” Khalil Al-Hayya, the lead negotiator for Hamas, declared to Al Jazeera on Sunday.
Netanyahu’s recent statements have also prompted criticism from opposition parties and family members of the hostages. Opposition leader Yair Lapid refuted Netanyahu's stance as “unfounded political spin,” stating that it bears no connection to reality. According to the Hostages Families Forum, Netanyahu’s words indicate an unwillingness to ensure the hostages' return.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated dramatically following an attack by the Palestinian militant group on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,100 Israeli casualties and led to more than 200 individuals being taken hostage. While some hostages have been freed through prisoner exchanges or rescue missions, Hamas reportedly still holds 103 captives.
The Israeli military response has led to nearly 41,000 deaths, with the majority being women and children in Gaza, as reported by Palestinian health figures.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
