- Netanyahu rejects Hamas ceasefire terms
- Egypt, Qatar mediate new talks
- Gaza humanitarian crisis escalates
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, denied the ceasefire terms proposed by Hamas, stating that “total victory” in Gaza is a distinct possibility within the coming months.
He was speaking subsequent to Hamas presenting a sequence of demands in reaction to a ceasefire proposal supported by Israel.
Mr. Netanyahu stated that the group’s requirements were “bizarre” and that negotiations with them were “stalking.”
Attempts are ongoing to achieve some form of agreement.
Mr. Netanyahu stated at a press conference on Wednesday, “A finish line of triumph is the only viable course of action.”
A subsequent atrocity is merely a matter of time if Hamas continues to exist in Gaza.
Israel was anticipated to object to Hamas’s counteroffer; however, their response is unequivocally condemnatory, and it is evident that Israeli authorities consider any effort by Hamas to bring an end to the conflict on its own terms as completely untenable.
According to Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, Mr. Netanyahu’s statements “represent a display of political bravado” and demonstrate his determination to continue the conflict in the region.
A new round of negotiations, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, is still anticipated to commence on Thursday in Cairo, according to an Egyptian official source.
A source stated that Egypt has urged all parties to demonstrate the flexibility required to reach a peaceful agreement.
Additionally, the condemnation of a “delusional” plan by Mr. Netanyahu stands in stark contrast to Qatar’s statement that Hamas’s response was “positive.”
Tuesday marked the submission of Hamas’ counteroffer to the ceasefire proposal.
The following terms appeared in a draft of the Hamas document that was obtained by the Reuters news agency:
- Phase one would consist of a 45-day ceasefire, during which Palestinian women and children incarcerated in Israeli jails would be exchanged for Israeli women hostages, males under the age of 19, the elderly, and the ill. As Israeli forces vacated populated regions of Gaza, the restoration process would commence for hospitals and refugee settlements.
- The second phase would see Israel withdraw completely from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian captives for the remaining male hostages.
- Both parties would exchange remains and bodies during the third phase.
- Additionally, the proposed agreement would increase food and other aid deliveries to Gaza. Hamas stated that peace negotiations would have reached their culmination by the conclusion of the 135-day ceasefire.
The Hamas assaults on southern Israel on October 7 of last year resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,300 individuals.
At least 65,000 Palestinians have been injured as a result of the Israeli-initiated conflict. Additionally, over 27,700 have been killed, according to the health ministry, which is operated by Hamas.
An advance by Israeli forces into Rafah
Mr. Netanyahu further verified on Wednesday that Israeli forces have been directed to readiness for operations in the city of Rafah, located in the southern region of Gaza. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled to Rafah in an attempt to evade the battling.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that spreading the fighting to Rafah will “exponentially worsen” the humanitarian disaster.
“We fear an invasion of Rafah,” a displaced person at the Rafah Crossing near Egypt said.
“We sit and sleep in a state of fear.” Feast is scarce, and the climate is frigid.”
The remarks made by the Israeli leader are a setback for the United States’ persistent efforts to achieve a resolution that its highest-ranking diplomat, Antony Blinken, deemed “the most favourable course of action” — albeit with the caveat that “considerable effort remains.”
In addition, Mr. Netanyahu’s position underscores the persistent, fundamental incongruity between the United States and Israel’s future intentions for Gaza.
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He insists on an entity in which local organisations in Gaza govern the territory without any affiliation to Hamas or any other group. While Israel retains overall security control.
The horizon of Washington’s future vision encompasses a Palestinian state.
Immediate concern is whether something can be salvaged to continue these discussions. Such an event could potentially spark another exchange of hostages and prisoners. Additionally, it could allow a humanitarian pause that is sorely required to permit additional assistance to enter the Gaza Strip.
