JERUSALEM, Aug 18, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Israel's prime minister on Sunday accused Hamas of being "obstinate" in negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire deal and called for more pressure on the Palestinian militant group ahead of a new round of talks next week.

  "Hamas, up to this moment, remains obstinate. It has not even sent a representative to the talks in Doha. Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government," Benjamin Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting, referring to the newly appointed Hamas chief.