Blinken Says Israel-Hamas Truce Deal Still Possible After Netanyahu Rejects It Calling 'Delusional'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has proposed that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas “is still possible” shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu rejected framework proposal calling Hamas’s conditions in document as “delusional.”

"While re are some clear non-starters in Hamas's response, we do think it creates space for agreement to be reached, and we will work at that relentlessly," Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv after meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu.  latter rejected propects of a four and a half month temporary pause to fighting in exchange for release of hostages.

Netanyahu: ‘Prepare to operate in sourn Gaza city of Rafah’

Israel’s Prime Minister vowed to press ahe with IDF’s offensive in Gaza, saying that he has ordered his troops to "prepare to operate" in sourn Gaza city of Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have been crammed into makeshift tents bordering Egypt. Netanyahu pledged for an "absolute victory" in Gaza saying that victory over Hamas “was just months away.”

“We are on way to an absolute victory,” Netanyahu asserted in a televised news conference, after meeting with Blinken. He ded, that ding that IDF’s operation is expected to last months, if not years. "re is no or solution,” he maintained. He rejected deal saying that Hamas cannot be left to return to rule in besieged enclave. Israel is “only power” capable of guaranteeing security in long term, said defiant Netanyahu.

In response to Netanyahu’s remarks on rejection of deal, a senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told agencies that Israeli leer aims to pursue conflict in Middle East. “Netanyahu’s comments are a form of political bravo, indicating his intention to pursue conflict in region,” Zuhri was quoted as saying. Furrmore he ded, “ movement (Hamas) is prepared to deal with all options."

Meanwhile, Israeli premier labelled negotiations with Hamas as “bizarre” ding that y were "not going anywhere.” "re is no or solution but a complete and final victory," Mr Netanyahu told a press conference. “If Hamas will survive in Gaza, it's only a question of time until next massacre,” he warned.