Araqchi Highlights Israeli Sabotage Threatening U.S.-Hamas Peace Deal
Tehran, IRNA – Following the recent release of an Israeli-American prisoner by Hamas, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has highlighted alarming reports suggesting that Israeli leaders actively sought to obstruct a potential agreement between Hamas and the United States.
On Monday, Araqchi took to his X account to share a report titled “Netanyahu and Dermer worked to stop U.S.-Hamas deal to free only American captive”, describing the situation as “the tip of the iceberg” regarding the destructive measures employed by Netanyahu.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, both Netanyahu and Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, initiated a “frenzied campaign” to prevent a proposed U.S.-Hamas agreement that aimed to secure the release of the only American prisoner currently held in Gaza.
Hamas has announced plans to release Edan Alexander, the last American captive in Gaza, as part of an agreement with the U.S. This move is intended to facilitate ceasefire talks and restore humanitarian aid. The timing is significant, as it comes just prior to U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the Middle East.
Despite this, Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or prisoner exchange with Hamas ahead of Alexander’s anticipated release, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu. He underscored that military operations in Gaza are set to increase.
In a statement released on Monday, Netanyahu’s office clarified that while discussions regarding a ceasefire would continue, Israel is also preparing to intensify its military offensive. The statement emphasized that Israel has “not agreed to any ceasefire” or the release of Palestinian prisoners, but has permitted safe passage for Alexander’s return.
In related developments, reports suggest that President Donald Trump has decided to cut direct contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after close advisers cautioned him about Netanyahu’s manipulative tactics, as noted by Israeli Army Radio correspondent Yanir Cozin.
The strained relationship is attributed to Netanyahu’s inability to present definitive plans concerning Iran, Yemen’s Ansarullah, and Gaza, alongside perceptions of Israeli Minister Ron Dermer’s arrogance in discussions with Republican leaders.
This report surfaces amid ongoing indirect discussions between Iran and the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Iran has condemned attempts by external parties, particularly Netanyahu, to undermine these negotiations.
