"Hamas is trying to hide the fact that it continues to oppose a hostage release deal and is thwarting it," Netanyahu's office stated. "While Israel accepted the 'final bridging proposal' made by the US on Aug. 16, 2024, Hamas rejected it and even murdered six of our hostages in cold blood.

"The world must demand that Hamas free our hostages immediately," the prime minister reiterated in the statement.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in London on Tuesday that the Biden administration is determined to achieve a truce in Gaza "as soon as possible," stressing that "the quickest way to do so remains bringing the ceasefire agreement over the finish line."

He added, "We are working with our Egyptian and Qatari counterparts to work together to bridge any remaining gaps, and in the coming time very soon we'll put that before the parties and we'll see what they say."

The optimistic comments come amid pessimism expressed in recent days by American and Israeli mediators about the prospects of a deal.

The US has publicly blamed Hamas for holding up the deal, with White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby saying on Monday that "Hamas is the main obstacle to this right now."

The Washington Post cited a senior US official as saying last week that while the two sides had agreed to the release of terrorist murderers in exchange for Hamas freeingIsrael Defense Forces troops, Hamas last week decided that civilians would also need to be exchanged for these longtime prisoners, an idea the official described as a "poison pill."

However, Israel's Channel 12 News reported on Tuesday that Cairo and Doha "think the opposite" and accuse Jerusalem of dragging its feet.

Netanyahu on Sept. 5 dismissed reports suggesting that an agreement was close. "In fact, while we agreed in May, in July and in August to a deal, an American proposal, Hamas has consistently said no to every one of them," he said on Thursday.

One hundred and one hostages—alive and dead—are still held captive, 342 days after the Oct. 7 attacks. Off-and-on talks have continued for months with the United States, Egypt and Qatar acting as mediators. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

From Pulisic's 'Bible Time' to Team Prayer on the Field, US Gives 'Glory to God' at World Cup

Good News: Gasoline Drops Below $4 A Gallon

Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Abandoning 30,000 Children as Democrats Push to Strip School Choice

Canada's Parliament Officially Passes 'Bible Ban' Bill C-9

Occupied Britain: Muslim Rape Gang Report Warns against Dangers of Mass Immigration (Part 1)

Obama Center Contractors Say Millions Are Owed

VP Vance Defends Iran Deal, Says It Will Benefit Both America and Israel

President Trump Signs MOU with Iran During Dinner at Palace of Versailles (VIDEO)

[Watch] JD Vance Ventures Onto 'The View,' Serves Up an Unforgettable Schooling

School District Pays $95K to Settle Lawsuit After Painting Over Bible Verse Tribute to Charlie Kirk

Is MLB Treating Christians Differently? Senator Hawley Demands Answers

Hundreds of Thousands of Antidepressants Recalled Over Potential Cancer Risk

12 Key Points on Iran Peace Deal Revealed, as Trump Says He'll Likely Read It to Media So They Get It Right

Election Results: Trump-Backed Candidates Win 3 Senate Primary Contests, Lose in Georgia Governor's Race

A Mother's Concern, Call to Authorities May Have Prevented Potential Terror Attack on UFC Event at the White House

Feds Name Five Individuals Charged in UFC Freedom 250 Terror Plot

Video: Iran Soccer Fans Defy FIFA Autocrats and Fly 'Lion & Sun' Pre-Islamic Regime Flags

Good News: Nearly 60 Planned Parenthood Facilities Have Shut Down Since Trump Took Office

Illinois Man Receives Prison Sentence for Killing Unborn Baby With Abortion Pills

Louisiana Dad Poisons His Daughter with Abortion Drug in Latest Mifepristone Horror Story