New demonstrations filled Israeli streets on Saturday. Benjamin Netanyahu defended himself in a speech and said that the hostages in Gaza are the top priority.
We will continue to attack the terrorists with full force until they are eradicated. We cannot give up victory.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under strong pressure.
Thousands of demonstrators demanded on Saturday evening that the Prime Minister agree to a ceasefire with Hamas, so that Israel can bring home those being held hostage in Gaza.
But Netanyahu is standing firm.
I have not added any conditions and I have not removed any. But I will not let Hamas move one millimeter from the proposal, he says in a televised speech.
He claims that Hamas has tried to make 29 changes to the ceasefire proposal presented by US President Joe Biden on May 31.
The fact that Hamas has not agreed to an agreement, the Prime Minister blames on Israel's military pressure on the Islamist terrorist group not being strong enough, and that it is therefore necessary to enter Rafah, "despite strong international pressure" not to do so.
Egypt: Israel is obstructing
Thus, says Netanyahu, he opposes claims that he is delaying or standing in the way of an agreement.
If a good agreement is presented, it will be approved.
Israel's escalated offensive in Gaza is complicating compromises in the negotiations, warned a Hamas representative last week.
How Saturday's powerful attack on a camp outside the city of Khan Yunis, in one of Israel's designated safe zones, affects the negotiations is unclear.
Meanwhile, Egyptian state-linked Al-Qahera reports that Egyptian mediators are urging Israel not to obstruct the negotiations by presenting new demands.
Deserves better leadership
In both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, thousands gathered to demand the return of the hostages. One of the larger demonstrations took place outside Netanyahu's office, where demonstrators who had marched for four days wanted to see a quick solution.
We deserve better leadership, which takes responsibility. And those in captivity deserve to hug their mothers and fathers, says Einav Zangauker, whose son is being held hostage, according to Times of Israel.
Saturday evening's protests were reported to be less extensive and violent than last weekend, when mass demonstrations blocked highways and several people were arrested.
