“Shameful support for Hamas” –

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the general strike in Israel a shameful show of support for Hamas and its leader, Yahya Sinwar. The strike is “a disgrace. It is saying to Sinwar: You killed six of them. Here we are to support you,” Netanyahu said, referring to the six hostages killed by Hamas in recent days, according to the Ynet news site.

According to leaked statements from the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reiterated to the ministers present that the soldiers will remain along the Philadelphia Route because “it is essential for Israeli security.” The prime minister’s insistence on not withdrawing from the corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border, in order to prevent weapons smuggling by Hamas, is indicated as the main obstacle to the agreement for the ceasefire and the release of the hostages.