Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declined the request from the United States for a humanitarian pause in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. In a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday, Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue its military operations at full capacity unless Hamas releases the hostages it is holding.

Blinken, who is currently on his third visit to Israel since the start of the conflict, is planning to hold meetings with leaders in Jordan on Saturday. Despite the U.S. urging for a pause in the fighting to allow for aid delivery and the treatment of wounded civilians, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s determination to proceed with their military efforts.

The war between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for over a month, with both sides experiencing significant casualties and damage. The conflict has also resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with many civilians suffering from the loss of essential services such as electricity, water, and healthcare.

In addition to rejecting the call for a pause, the Israeli Prime Minister called on the international community to increase pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. Netanyahu highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying cause of the conflict by removing the threat posed by Hamas.

The United States has been actively engaged in brokering a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and has expressed concerns over the high civilian casualty rate. While diplomatic efforts are ongoing, the Israeli government’s refusal to halt its military operations complicates the peace negotiations and humanitarian relief efforts.

The situation remains tense and volatile in the region, with no immediate resolution in sight. The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and the restoration of peace, as the conflict takes a heavy toll on both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.