Jerusalem, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Hamas’ suggested ceasefire and hostage arrangement in Gaza, deeming it “delusional” and dealing a blow to diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict. Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that Israel’s goal is “complete victory” and that the country will not settle for anything less.
Hamas had proposed a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza during a four-and-a-half-month truce and a plan to permanently end the war. However, Netanyahu’s rejection of their proposal comes at a time when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting the region to seek a breakthrough in the conflict.
In response to the framework agreement presented in Paris at the end of last month, Hamas put forward a counteroffer that did not call for an immediate end to the war. Instead, the group proposed negotiations for a permanent ceasefire to take place during the truce, and the remaining hostages would only be released once a final deal to end the war was agreed.
Hamas’ counterproposal had been met with optimism by those involved in the negotiations, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the prime minister of Qatar, a key mediator, describing Hamas’ response as “positive.” However, Israeli officials are currently discussing the counteroffer, and Netanyahu has pledged not to stop the campaign until Israel destroys Hamas once and for all.
The Israeli offensive, launched after the Hamas attack four months ago, has taken an immense toll on the strip, with tens of thousands of casualties and the population of Gaza on the brink of famine.
As Blinken continues to review the response from Hamas, he is expected to focus on pushing Israel toward a “humanitarian pause,” as the Biden administration calls it. The situation remains complex, with no clear resolution in sight as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
The ongoing conflict in the region continues to draw international attention and concern as efforts to broker a ceasefire and reach a lasting peace remain elusive.
