Netanyahu Raises Alarm Over Lack of Substantial Offer from Hamas to Free Hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised alarm over the lack of a substantial offer from Hamas to free hostages being held in the Gaza Strip. In an interview in his office in Jerusalem on Thursday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said there was no deal on the table to secure the freedom of the 240 or so hostages.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Wednesday from Tokyo, where he attended a Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting, and spoke of the U.S. vision for Gaza once the Israel-Hamas war ends. Blinken emphasized the administration’s support for a two-state solution and the creation of an independent Palestinian state down the line.

The lack of a substantial offer from Hamas has caused concern in the region, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. Netanyahu has stated that, “up to now, there is no real substantial information that is showing any real offer of any process on the table.”

The U.S. is focused on creating the conditions for lasting peace in the region once the fighting is over. However, with no substantial offer from Hamas, it is unclear how the conflict will be resolved and when the hostages will be released.