Ceasefire statement from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a press statement following the weekly cabinet meeting. Calling on the Israeli public to be "united" and stating that total "victory" would be achieved against Hamas, Netanyahu said, "We are one step away from victory. But the price we have paid is painful and heartbreaking."

"THERE WILL BE NO CEASEFIRE"

Addressing the negotiations for a temporary ceasefire and a hostage release deal, Netanyahu said the following:

"I have made it clear to the international community. There will be no ceasefire without the release of hostages. This is the policy of the Israeli government, and I welcome the fact that the Biden administration has also made it clear that this remains their position."

Noting that despite increasing international pressure, Israel will not 'surrender' to Hamas's extreme demands, Netanyahu stated, "It is not Israel that is blocking the deal. It is Hamas that is blocking the deal."

On the other hand, an unnamed Israeli government official who spoke after the cabinet meeting said that Israel would send a delegation to the negotiations in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

MOSSAD CHIEF WILL ALSO ATTEND

CIA Director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani had arrived in Cairo for the talks.

In addition to Burns and Al-Thani, MOSSAD Chief David Barnea and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar are also expected to participate in the negotiations, which are expected to resume today.