Netanyahu: No pause in war without Hamas releasing hostages

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday rejected the prospect of a pause in fighting with Hamas until the militant group releases hostages taken during the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Netanyahu’s comments, which came in a brief televised statement, seemingly rebuffed calls from President Biden and other White House officials for a “humanitarian pause” that would allow aid to get into Gaza and civilians to get out during temporary breaks in fighting.

The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu told Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a Friday meeting that Israel “refuses a temporary cease-fire that does not include the release of our hostages. Israel will not enable the entry of fuel to Gaza and opposes sending money to the Strip.”

Netanyahu also reportedly said in his statement that he opposes the entry of fuel into Gaza. Israeli officials have expressed concerns that Hamas, which controls Gaza, would steal fuel sent in for humanitarian reasons and use it for its own purposes.

The Israeli military has said that about 240 hostages were taken in the Oct. 7 terror attack, with only a handful released since then.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in response to Netanyahu’s comments that U.S. officials would continue to discuss its support for a humanitarian pause with Israel.

“We have been clear about our position — You’ve heard that today from Secretary Blinken today even — and why it could be valuable to have a pause to get aid in and get hostages out,” Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Maine, where Biden was visiting following a mass shooting there.

The prime minister’s comments came as Blinken traveled to Israel and Jordan amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The U.S. has expressed steadfast support for Israel and provided the country with munitions in its fight against Hamas.

But White House officials have also increasingly urged Israel to limit the civilian impact of its war against the militant group, amid outcry from activists and some lawmakers over the death toll of Palestinian civilians.

Biden and administration officials this week have increasingly voiced support for a humanitarian pause. The White House has described such a pause as a temporary, “localized” break in fighting that would allow aid to get into Gaza or civilians to get out.

“I think we need a pause,” Biden said Wednesday. “A pause means give time to get the prisoners out.”

The White House has opposed calls for a formal cease-fire, which would mean a stop in fighting to try to broker some kind of truce. U.S. officials have argued a cease-fire would ultimately benefit Hamas and allow the terrorist group time to regroup and strategize.

Updated at 1:45 p.m.