Israel’s President Isaac Herzog says ready to pause Gaza fight in exchange for more hostages
- Hamas says it is ‘categorically rejecting’ negotiations over prisoner exchange while Israel’s attack on is ongoing
- The US and others are said to be trying to restart truce talks after a brief pause late last month
Israeli President Isaac Herzog told ambassadors from around the world the country is prepared to agree to a second humanitarian pause in fighting in exchange for the return of more hostages held by Hamas.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group considered a terrorist organisation by the US and European Union, still holds about 129 of the initial 240 or more people it abducted from Israel during its deadly attack on October 7.
“I can reiterate the fact that Israel is ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release of hostages,” Herzog said Tuesday.
“The responsibility lies fully with Sinwar and the leadership of Hamas,” he said, referring to the group’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.
Hamas said in a statement on Telegram it is “categorically rejecting” negotiations over prisoner exchange while Israel’s attack on Gaza is ongoing.