Biden made accusation – Netanyahu is not doing enough

Pressure is growing at home and abroad on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Tel Aviv – Israel is still at war. And after the rescue of six dead Hamas hostages, pressure is growing at home and abroad on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all remaining hostages.

Netanyahu asked for “forgiveness” on Monday evening (September 2) for the failure to rescue the hostages, but wants to remain tough in the negotiations on the ceasefire agreement. In addition to the participants in nationwide protests and a temporary general strike in Israel, US President Joe Biden also criticized Netanyahu's course.

Six dead hostages in Gaza war: Netanyahu apologizes to the population

“I ask you for forgiveness for not bringing them back alive,” Netanyahu said at a televised press conference about the six hostages killed. “We were close, but we did not succeed.”

Hamas will pay “a very high price in the near future” for killing the hostages with shots “in the back of the head,” Netanyahu said. Instead of concessions, “maximum pressure on Hamas” is necessary. At the same time, Netanyahu assured that no one is trying harder to free the hostages than he is: “No one can teach me about that.”

Israel at war: Biden criticizes Netanyahu

US President Joe Biden, who continues to hope for a hostage deal, also criticized Netanyahu. When asked whether the Israeli prime minister was doing enough to reach an agreement, Biden replied during an appearance in Washington: “No.”

Nevertheless, they are “very close” to a final agreement to release the remaining hostages from Hamas. When asked what led him to this conclusion after the many unsuccessful attempts to reach a deal, Biden replied that hope dies last.