Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being held responsible for stalling negotiations over a cease-fire and prisoner swap deal with Hamas, according to an anonymous source familiar with the talks, as reported by Israeli media on Wednesday. Israeli public broadcaster KAN quoted the source as saying that Netanyahu "doesn't stop putting forth new demands with the aim of hindering the negotiations." The source specifically pointed to Netanyahu's refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gazan-Egyptian border and the Netzarim Axis, which divides the Gaza Strip in two, as key obstacles. KAN also reported that members of the Israeli negotiating team have accused Netanyahu of trying to "blow up" the talks, obstructing progress towards a potential deal. Despite pressure, Netanyahu remains firm in his stance, stating that Israel will not leave these strategic areas, as they are crucial both militarily and politically. Netanyahu's position has been met with frustration from international mediators, including the US, Qatar, and Egypt, who have been working to broker a deal that would include a cease-fire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza. However, the negotiations have reached a stalemate due to Netanyahu's refusal to meet Hamas's demands. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began after a Hamas attack on October 7, has led to significant loss of life and widespread devastation. Local health authorities report that over 40,170 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, with more than 92,740 injured. The blockade of Gaza has resulted in severe shortages of essential supplies, leaving much of the region in ruins. Israel is currently facing accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered an immediate halt to military operations in Rafah, where over one million Palestinians had sought refuge before the area was invaded on May 6. — Agencies
