Netanyahu says there will be no ceasefire with Hamas until hostages are set free

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that there would not be a ceasefire with Hamas until the terrorist organization frees the hostages they are holding. 

“Israel refuses a temporary ceasefire that does not include the return of our hostages,” Netanyahu said in a televised address, according to The Telegraph.

These remarks come shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli leaders and urged for humanitarian pauses in Gaza. 

Israel's military called for civilians to move south from the northern part of Gaza.

The White House stated that pauses in the fighting should be temporary and localized.

Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed Friday that the U.S. is flying drones over Gaza in an effort to recover hostages. 

“In support of hostage recovery efforts, the U.S. is conducting unarmed UAV flights over Gaza, as well as providing advice and assistance to support our Israeli partner as they work on their hostage recovery efforts,” Ryder said, according to CNN.