Netanyahu says he is ‘willing’ to reach deal to free Gaza hostages

Prime minister says military pressure is working, as he rejects claims that Israel is not serious about negotiations

Rejecting claims from Hamas and Israeli protesters that his government is not engaged in serious negotiations aimed at securing the release of those held captive in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he was committed to reaching an agreement to free the hostages and military pressure had been effective.

We are willing," Israel's prime minister told a cabinet meeting. We are negotiating under fire" and can see cracks beginning to appear" in what Hamas has demanded in its negotiations, he said.