Israel’s top diplomat claimed countries that plan to recognize Palestine as a UN member state emboldened Hamas and killed the chances for a hostage exchange.
“There are countries that acted, also in this building, to pressure Israel, instead of Hamas, during sensitive days in the negotiations by attacking Israel, campaigning against Israel, and the announcement of a recognition of a virtual Palestinian state. They gave Hamas free gifts and incentives to continue this war,” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Tuesday said during a press conference at the UN. “They directly assassinated the hostage deal and ceasefire. Let me be clear: these countries prolonged the war. Hamas is responsible for beginning this war by invading Israel and committing the October 7 atrocities.”
Last week, France, the UK, and Canada announced they would recognize Palestine as a member of the UN when the General Assembly reconvenes in September. While Sa’ar is now pointing the finger at the three NATO states for ending the diplomatic process with Hamas, the US and Israel drastically changed their negotiation position with Hamas after the announcements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly decided to order the full military occupation of Gaza even if it endangers the lives of the remaining Israeli captives. Hamas has offered for over a year to free the remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent end to the conflict.
However, Israel refuses to agree to a permanent end to the conflict, and is demanding that Hamas demilitarize. “Hamas is also responsible for the continuation of this war by still refusing to release our hostages and lay down its arms. The international pressure must be on Hamas. Anything else only prolongs the war,” Sa’ar said.
A Hamas official told Saudi media on Tuesday that the group is willing to give up governance of Gaza following the conflict, but will not lay down arms. Additionally, the official expressed that Israel’s expanding military operations in Gaza would endanger the lives of the hostages.
