Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning that Israel will not proceed with the ceasefire and hostage deal until it receives a list of the names of hostages that Hamas has agreed to release. The deal, set to begin on Sunday, hinges on this crucial information.
In a statement released by his office on Saturday, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not tolerate any violations of the agreement and holds Hamas solely responsible for any delays. He stated, 'We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed.'
According to a spokesperson for the prime minister, Israel was expecting to receive the list of names of the 33 hostages that Hamas will release in the initial phase of the deal by 4 p.m. local time on Saturday. However, as of the deadline, Hamas had not provided the requested information.
As of now, Hamas has not issued any official response to Netanyahu's statement, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty. Netanyahu is scheduled to address the media at 8:10 p.m. local time, where he is likely to provide further updates on the situation.
The ongoing tension surrounding the ceasefire and hostage deal underscores the delicate nature of negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The demand for a comprehensive list of hostages to be released highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to the agreed-upon terms for both parties involved.
