Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again rejected the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, despite reports of negotiations for a temporary truce with Hamas. Talks were reportedly underway for the release of a dozen hostages held by Hamas, including six Americans, in exchange for a three-day ceasefire.

Thousands of Gazans are moving from north to south

Netanyahu previously said that There will be no ceasefire without the release of the hostages. pic.twitter.com/C7P5EdrZiL

— S p r i n t e r X (@SprinterX99880) November 8, 2023

However, Netanyahu emphasized that there will be no ceasefire without the release of the hostages. Qatar has been mediating negotiations to secure the release of those held by Hamas, with recent success in negotiating the handover of four hostages. The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum welcomed the return of each hostage but emphasized that any ceasefire should include the release of all hostages. The G7 has called for humanitarian pauses and corridors in the conflict but has refrained from calling for a ceasefire.

Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed concern over the situation, calling for both parties to agree on a ceasefire. The Israeli Prime Minister has indicated that Israel would consider tactical pauses in the fighting for the entry of humanitarian aid or the release of hostages, but reiterated the rejection of a ceasefire without the release of all captives. Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden have discussed the potential for tactical pauses in their recent phone call. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the ongoing conflict posing a significant threat to the well-being of the people in the region.