Hamas refuses talks until Gaza humanitarian crisis eases: Sources
The group's stance comes in response to a formal reply "Israel" issued to a recent Hamas position paper. In that response, "Israeli" officials rejected Hamas's demand for the release of detainees in exchange for the return of the bodies of "Israeli" captives.
"Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly floated the idea of a partial annexation of Gaza during a closed cabinet meeting on Monday, should negotiations over a captives deal collapse. The discussion was confirmed to The Jerusalem Post by a senior "Israeli" source.
Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed on Wednesday that "Israel" is making 'extraordinary efforts' to secure the release of the captives, while maintaining intense military and political pressure on Hamas. 'If Hamas does not soon announce the release of the hostages, it will pay a very heavy price,' Katz warned.
Amid the deadlock, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump, is expected to arrive in "Israel" on Thursday. His visit aims to push forward stalled negotiations and assess the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
According to a report by Ynet, Witkoff and the US administration are concerned that far-right "Israeli" ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, may obstruct any potential deal due to domestic political pressure on Netanyahu.
The envoy is reportedly considering meeting with both officials to urge their support at what US officials see as a pivotal moment.
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