Israeli Ambassador: Hamas Playing for Time in Hostage Release

The Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, has stated that Hamas is "playing for time" and not serious about releasing the more than 200 hostages they are holding. While the U.S. has supported a temporary pause in fighting to secure the hostages' release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on the release of all hostages before considering a humanitarian pause. Herzog emphasized that Israel is making efforts to secure the hostages' release but believes Hamas is using negotiations to buy time and rearm. So far, negotiations for more releases have been unsuccessful, and Herzog believes that increasing pressure on Hamas may increase the chances of them agreeing to release the hostages.