WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Pressure is mounting in the Middle East for a ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas war.
It comes after Israel recovered six hostages killed by Hamas this weekend, including an American.
U.S. officials say they’re nearing a final hostage deal this week to present to Israel and Hamas, but they say it will take flexibility from both sides.
Holding pictures of hostages held by Hamas, thousands of Israelis are protesting in the streets.
Many say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu isn’t doing enough to bring hostages home alive. The protests come after six hostages were found dead in Gaza, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
“Hersh was a young man known by his family, by his friends for his kindness,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
The State Department says hostage deaths have only underscored the urgency of reaching a ceasefire deal.
“The world cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Miller.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller says the U.S. will continue pushing for an agreement to end the war and bring hostages home.
“It is time to finalize that deal,” said Miller.
When asked if Netanyahu is doing enough to get to a deal, President Joe Biden said no.
Netanyahu said Monday the war would end when Hamas was totally eliminated.
“We’re out to destroy the military capabilities of Hamas and the governing capabilities of Hamas, and we’re well on our way to achieving both,” said Netanyahu.
Miller says both Israel and Hamas will need to be flexible to reach a deal. He says that doesn’t mean Israel should compromise its security.
“We believe there’s a way they can do that that returns hostages home and protects Israel’s security,” said Miller.
A sticking point in the talks has been whether Israel’s military can stay in Gaza as a deal is implemented.
Netanyahu says its presence is needed to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons.
