PM says Hamas is only obstacle to hostage deal amid reports that he’s the problem

“Contrary to reports, the only obstacle to obtaining the release of the hostages is Hamas and not any factor on the Israeli side,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says in a statement.

It’s unclear what reports he’s referring to.

“Among other things, Hamas demands an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip. The cabinet and the security forces are united in their opposition to these delusional demands,” the PMO says.

“Despite the broad mandate that the negotiating team received from the prime minister and the cabinet, Hamas has to this day refused any deal and any compromise proposal,” the statement continues.

“The instructions of the political echelon were given after consultation with the negotiating team with the aim of obtaining the release of our hostages and maintaining Israel’s security, without any other considerations.”