Israel PM Calls For Mediators to 'Pressure' Hamas on Gaza Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, 07 January 2024 (reissued 31 March 2024). EPA/RONEN ZVULUN / POOL
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, 07 January 2024 (reissued 31 March 2024). EPA/RONEN ZVULUN / POOL
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Israel PM Calls For Mediators to 'Pressure' Hamas on Gaza Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, 07 January 2024 (reissued 31 March 2024). EPA/RONEN ZVULUN / POOL
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, 07 January 2024 (reissued 31 March 2024). EPA/RONEN ZVULUN / POOL

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Gaza talks mediators the United States, Qatar and Egypt Friday to "pressure" Hamas to accept a deal.

"Israel hopes that their pressure will lead Hamas to accept the May 27 principles, in order for the details of the agreement to be implemented," a statement from his office said, referring to the three-phase plan submitted to US President Joe Biden.

Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha paused on Friday with negotiators to meet again next week seeking an agreement to end fighting between Israel and Hamas and free remaining hostages, as US President Joe Biden said "we're not there yet".

In a joint statement, the US, Qatar and Egypt said Washington had presented a new proposal that built on points of agreement over the past week, closing gaps in a way that could allow rapid implementation of a deal.

Mediators would keep working on the proposal, they said.

"The path is now set for that outcome, saving lives, bringing relief to the people of Gaza, and de-escalating regional tensions," they said in the statement.

On Thursday, Israel and mediators began the latest round in months of talks to end the war in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. Palestinian militant group Hamas was not directly involved but was kept briefed on progress.

A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, told Reuters Israel "did not abide by what was agreed upon" in earlier talks, citing what mediators had told them.



Suicide Bombing Leaves Soldiers Dead, Injured in Southern Yemen

Yemeni soldiers are seen during a campaign against al-Qaeda in the southern province of Abyan. Reuters file photo
Yemeni soldiers are seen during a campaign against al-Qaeda in the southern province of Abyan. Reuters file photo
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Suicide Bombing Leaves Soldiers Dead, Injured in Southern Yemen

Yemeni soldiers are seen during a campaign against al-Qaeda in the southern province of Abyan. Reuters file photo
Yemeni soldiers are seen during a campaign against al-Qaeda in the southern province of Abyan. Reuters file photo

A suicide bomber killed 16 Yemeni soldiers and wounded at least 16 other troops in a military post in the southern province of Abyan on Friday, authorities said.

The attacker "drove a booby-trapped car into a site for the security forces,” in the Mudiyah district, Mohamed al-Naqib, a spokesperson for the Southern Transitional Council, said.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but militants linked to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) have stepped up attacks on military facilities in Yemen.