Netanyahu responds to global pressure for cease-fire concessions, calling demands 'unethical' and 'unreasonable'.

Despite criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu staunchly maintained control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategically important region, in an effort to secure a deal for the release of hostages.

"What has changed in this week?" Netanyahu said during an English-language press conference on Wednesday. "What's changed is that they murdered six of our hostages in cold blood."

"After this massacre, the world will demand that Israel make concessions. What messages are sent to Hamas?" he continued. "The message is clear: Kill more hostages, and you will get more concessions. This is not only illogical but also immoral and insane. It will not happen."

He insisted that the redlines, which were in place before the murder, had not changed and would still be adhered to.

Last week, The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu told Defense Minister Gallant that he prioritized an IDF presence in the Philadelphi Corridor over saving the lives of Gaza hostages.

Netanyahu was urged by Histadrut, the country's largest trade union, to agree to a cease-fire deal and secure the release of all remaining hostages, but the labor court shut down the protest, NPR reported.

The Rafah Crossing is located in the Philadelphi Corridor, which is the border region between Gaza and Egypt. Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of this corridor in maintaining Israel's defense and security after the establishment of a post-Hamas state.

The heated security cabinet meeting revealed a divide between the prime minister and the defense minister, with Gallant accusing Netanyahu of imposing his own position on the security establishment.

"Either keeping the IDF deployed on the Philadelphi Corridor or bringing home the hostages — you are deciding to stay on the Philadelphi Corridor. Does that seem logical to you?" Gallant said, according to a transcript of the meeting. "There are living (hostages) there."

Netanyahu highlighted several past agreements that the U.S. and negotiators proposed to Israel, which were accepted, but emphasized that Hamas consistently rejected these deals.

He emphasized the importance of having a presence on the Philadelphi Corridor in any ceasefire agreement to prevent a repeat of the Oct. 7 attack.

Netanyahu stated that Hamas only agreed to negotiations with Israel because of control over the Philadelphi Corridor, and that this concession is the only way they will continue to make concessions to Israel.

"Netanyahu stated that he would do everything possible to ensure the safe return of Keith and all other hostages. He emphasized that if the pressure is released and the Philadelphi Corridor is exited, there is no guarantee that the hostages will be returned."

"Netanyahu argued that we will condemn many to stay there, even though we could get a few out. However, this will not provide us with the necessary pressure point, and something else will happen. We will not be able to return."