JERUSALEM – Israeli President Isaac Herzog has urged the country’s leadership to use all available resources to secure a deal for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, as tensions rise over accusations against Hamas for obstructing negotiations.

In a statement released Wednesday, Herzog called on Israeli leaders to act decisively. “I call on our leadership to act with all its power and with all the means at our disposal to bring about a deal,” he said.

Herzog’s appeal comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of creating “new obstacles” to reaching an agreement for a ceasefire and hostage release.

“The terrorist organisation Hamas is once again lying, reneging on understandings already reached, and continuing to create new obstacles in the negotiations,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

Hamas had earlier accused Israel of delaying the progress of negotiations, a claim Israeli officials have rejected, asserting that Hamas’s actions are hindering the process.

The situation in Gaza remains tense as both sides face mounting pressure to resolve the standoff. International mediators have reportedly been involved in the negotiations, but so far, no deal has been finalized.

Herzog’s call underscores growing frustration within Israel to bring the hostages home and secure stability in the region.

Background on the Hostage Situation

Hostages were taken during the recent escalation of conflict in Gaza, sparking international efforts to broker a ceasefire and negotiate their release. Talks have faced repeated hurdles, with accusations and counter-accusations from both parties further complicating the process.

Israel continues to insist on Hamas’s accountability for the delays, while Hamas claims Israel is stalling negotiations.

The Israeli government remains committed to exhausting all avenues to ensure the safe return of the hostages and to stabilize the situation in the Gaza Strip.