Israel is locked in ‘serious negotiations’ with Arab leaders for a second ceasefire but continued to ramp up its offensive in Gaza yesterday.
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas that despite the ongoing talks, it has a ‘simple’ choice: ‘Surrender or die.’
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has escalated its fighting with some of the most intense bombardments since the start of the war. But diplomatic efforts have also intensified, with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Egypt for a second day of talks.
White House spokesman John Kirby said: ‘These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope they lead somewhere. We’re pushing.’
Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen confirmed negotiations on a hostage release were ongoing but declined to provide details. He repeated Israel’s position that war would not end while Hamas controls Gaza and said there was ‘no talk of reducing the intensity, at least not in the coming weeks’.
White House spokesman John Kirby said: ‘These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope they lead somewhere. We’re pushing.’
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas that despite the ongoing talks, it has a ‘simple’ choice: ‘Surrender or die’
Haniyeh’s media adviser said Hamas ‘cannot talk about negotiations while Israel continues its aggression’.
The terror group’s military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, also taunted Israel saying their war is ‘doomed to fail’. Spokesman Abu Obeida said there was ‘no alternative’ to negotiations, warning Israeli fire could lead to the deaths of more hostages.
He took aim at Israel’s leader, whose ‘decision… evades facing and recognising the truth’. But Mr Netanyahu said: ‘The choice I propose to Hamas is very simple: surrender or die. They do not have – and will not have – any other choice. And after we eliminate Hamas, I will use all my power to ensure that Gaza never again threatens Israel.’
Israel unleashed a huge bomb run on northern Gaza yesterday while Hamas fired a salvo of rockets at Tel Aviv. Air defences took out the missiles but shrapnel fell on a school. It is believed to have been timed to send a message to those gathered in Egypt that after 11 weeks of war, Israel has not destroyed the terrorists’ military capabilities.
Destroyed buildings lie in ruin in the Gaza Strip
Israeli soldiers stand guard as trucks carrying humanitarian aid move at the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing with the southern Gaza Strip
Smoke rises following an air strike on Gaza
Both sides also appear far from close to agreement on a ceasefire, with Hamas stating all factions in Gaza were united against a temporary truce.
A sources said they agreed ‘no talk about prisoners or exchange deals, except after a full cessation of aggression’.
The UN Security Council was again due to vote on the Arab-backed ceasefire for humanitarian aid that has been repeatedly delayed since Monday. The draft would give the UN a wider role overseeing aid shipments.
But Washington said there were concerns that in its current form the resolution ‘could actually slow down’ deliveries.
Some 129 Israelis remain captive and the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims 20,000 people have been killed. The World Health Organization said the last hospital in the northern half of the Gaza Strip has effectively ceased to function.