Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to implement a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to prevent further escalation in West Asia.

After their phone conversation, Schoof shared on X that it was a "constructive discussion" and highlighted that "Israel's security is crucial to the Netherlands."

📞: Just had a good conversation with @IsraeliPM Benjamin Netanyahu in which we had an opportunity to get acquainted and I emphasised the importance of Israel’s security to the Netherlands. There is an urgent need to prevent both further escalation in the Middle East and an…

— Dick Schoof (@MinPres) August 20, 2024

The Dutch premier stressed the “urgent need to prevent further escalation in the Middle East” and called for breaking the "cycle of violence and retaliation.”

“It is essential that the parties reach a deal on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of the hostages, and the unhindered delivery of more humanitarian aid to the suffering people of Gaza,” Schoof added.

Netanyahu remarks on Philadelphi Axis obstructing negotiations: AFP

This is happening as a senior US official informed the French news agency AFP on Tuesday that certain remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are complicating ongoing negotiations related to the Gaza ceasefire.

The official pointed out that Netanyahu's "maximalist" statements about maintaining control over the Gaza-Egypt border are not helpful in advancing the talks towards finalizing a ceasefire agreement.

In a related context, a report published by The Times of Israel cited an insider source as saying that the US is in agreement with "Israel's" stance on the Philadelphi corridor, the area along the Gaza-Egypt border.

The report indicated that during a meeting on Monday between Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, it was emphasized that "Israel" cannot fully withdraw from the corridor due to concerns that international pressure might prevent it from re-establishing control if necessary.

According to the report, the US recognizes "Israel's" approach to the Philadelphi Corridor, and efforts will continue this week to find a resolution that ensures "Israel's" security needs are met.

The ceasefire talks are said to be pivotal for the region's stability. Yet, the Israeli side has been consistently obstinate in reaching an agreement.

Many of the captives who have died in the past ten months were killed as a result of "Israel's" indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza. The Israeli blockade of the Strip has further exacerbated this issue.

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