Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the demands made by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for ending the war in exchange for the release of hostages. Sinwar has called for the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from the Gaza Strip, and the preservation of Hamas.

In a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Netanyahu outlined his firm stance. “Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly opposes this,” the statement read. “The briefings from the negotiating team only harden Hamas’s position, harm families, and delay the release of our hostages.” Netanyahu emphasized that yielding to these demands would allow Hamas to continue its aggressive actions, referencing the attacks of October 7 as a significant concern.

Netanyahu’s remarks come just before a crucial meeting of Israel’s war cabinet, scheduled for Sunday night at 9 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET). The cabinet is set to discuss the ongoing hostage negotiations and potential ceasefire deals. An Israeli official indicated that these talks are expected to resume on Tuesday, a timeline corroborated by an Egyptian official with knowledge of the negotiations.

The war cabinet meeting underscores the high stakes and intense pressure facing the Israeli government. Families of the hostages and the broader public are keenly watching for any signs of progress. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts continuing in parallel with military operations.

Despite ongoing efforts to reach a resolution, fighting continues in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces are actively engaged with Hamas militants in various parts of the territory. The conflict has seen significant escalations, with reports indicating that militants launched missiles at Tel Aviv on Sunday for the first time in months. This attack highlights the persistent threat posed by Hamas and the challenges faced by Israel in ensuring its security while negotiating for the hostages’ release.