Israel toughens Gaza ceasefire demands just as optimism for deal growing

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hardened his demands for a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas on Thursday, even as the White House expressed optimism that a deal was getting closer.

Why it matters: Talks were making progress in part because Hamas had softened some of its positions, U.S. and Israeli officials say. But Netanyahu has responded to intelligence suggesting Hamas wants a ceasefire because of its weak military position by toughening his own stance.

"Netanyahu gave these tough demands because he is trying to use Hamas' weakness to get as much as he can out of the negotiations. But there is a risk that he will go too far and the negotiations collapse," an Israeli official involved in the talks said.

The deal could secure the release of 120 hostages and end the nine-month war in Gaza — or at least lead to a 42-day pause in the fighting and the release of some hostages, including American citizens. But finalizing it has proved immensely difficult.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/israel-toughens-gaza-ceasefire-demands-just-as-optimism-for-deal-growing/ar-BB1pPbQK