Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed claims that a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement with Hamas is nearing completion, labelling the reports as “exactly inaccurate” and contradicting statements made by US officials.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu stated, “There’s a story, a narrative out there that there’s a deal out there … that’s just a false narrative.” “There’s not a deal in the making,” he said, “Unfortunately, it’s not close.”
His comments come in response to reports citing a senior US official who claimed that 90% of the terms for a ceasefire and hostage swap had been agreed upon. This official had briefed reporters on Wednesday, indicating that out of 18 negotiation points, 14 were “finished,” but critical issues, including a prisoner exchange and the situation in the Philadelphi Corridor, remain unresolved.
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden had also indicated that an agreement was close, stating, “We’re on the verge of having an agreement.”
Netanyahu, however, claimed that Israel had accepted several ceasefire proposals put forth by US, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators, but accused Hamas of failing to cooperate. On the other hand, Hamas has accused Netanyahu of blocking progress by insisting on maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor—a contentious strip of land along Gaza’s border with Egypt.
Netanyahu reiterated his stance earlier in the week, stating that Israeli forces would not withdraw from the Corridor, citing past incidents of alleged weapons smuggling to Hamas through the area.
The Philadelphi Corridor remains a significant sticking point in the ongoing negotiations, with both Hamas and Egypt strongly opposing Israel’s continued presence there. This dispute has hindered efforts to finalise a ceasefire and hostage swap deal, despite months of mediation by US, Qatari, and Egyptian diplomats.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began after a Hamas attack on 7 October that reportedly killed 1,139 people, has continued unabated. However, Israeli newspaper Haaretz later revealed that Israeli army helicopters and tanks were responsible for many of those deaths, contradicting initial claims that they were all caused by Palestinian resistance.