The Israel is engaged in complex negotiations for the return of its hostages held in Gaza but will also have to uphold principles vital to its security, the prime minister said today Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of the Israeli cabinet meeting.

“There are things we can be flexible about, and there are things we can’t be flexible about, and we stick to them. We know very well how to tell the difference between the two,” he said.

Besides, as reported by Agence France-Presse, the Israeli prime minister called for “pressure to be directed at Hamas”, denouncing its “persistent refusal” to a ceasefire agreement in Gauzeshortly before another visit by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Israel.

“Hamas, so far, persists in its denial and has not even sent a representative to the Doha negotiations. Consequently, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahia leader) Shinwar, not the Israeli government,” Netanyahu said, according to a statement from his office.