Israeli President Isaac Herzog said his country is “ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid to enable the release of the hostages,” reports Al Jazeera. However, Hamas said in a statement that it refuses to negotiate a prisoner exchange until “Israel’s genocidal war” is stopped.
Herzog, whose public role is mostly ceremonial, signaled his readiness for a humanitarian break at a gathering of ambassadors, his office said.
“And the responsibility is entirely on (Hamas leader Yahya) Sinwar and the Hamas leadership,” he said.
On the other hand, Bassem Naem, a senior Hamas official, stated: “We reaffirm our position that we categorically reject holding any form of prisoner exchange negotiations as part of Israel’s continued genocidal war,” he said.
“However, we are open to any initiative that contributes to ending the aggression against our people and opening the crossing to bring aid and help to the Palestinian people,” he added.
