Netanyahu reiterates rejection of Hamas ceasefire proposal | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his stance of not accepting Hamas’s proposal for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu visited a military facility and spoke to soldiers on Tuesday. He said there is mounting pressure on Israel at home and abroad to stop the war before it achieves all of its goals.

He said Israel very much wants to achieve the release of hostages held by Hamas. But he said his country is not prepared to pay what he called the delusional prices that Hamas is demanding.

Hamas is calling for a complete ceasefire in negotiations mediated by other countries.

People in Israel have been increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with Netanyahu as negotiations are stalled.

Families of the hostages held in Gaza organized a rally on Tuesday to call for the release of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is further deepening as Israeli forces continue their intense attacks.

An emergency report published by the United Nations Children’s Fund says that 64 percent of households in the Gaza Strip are eating only one meal a day.

A medical doctor in the southern city of Rafah says 40 to 50 percent of children may be suffering from infectious diseases, such as hepatitis A and pneumonia.

Nearly 1.5 million people, including evacuees from other parts of the enclave, are living in Rafah. Israel appears poised to launch a ground offensive there.