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Israel PM rejects Hamas’ ceasefire terms
No end to war without ‘victory’ declared Netanyahu
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Netanyahu rejected Hamas' proposed terms for a ceasefire / X- @netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas' proposed terms for a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement on February 7, dismissing them as "delusional.”
In a nationally broadcasted new conference, Netanyahu vowed to continue Israel's five-month-long military campaign against Hamas until "absolute victory" is achieved. He emphasized that surrendering to Hamas' demands would not secure the release of captives but rather invite further conflict.
Netanyahu also categorically ruled out any arrangement allowing Hamas to maintain control over Gaza, asserting Israel as the sole entity capable of ensuring long-term security. The proposed three-phase plan by Hamas came after the United States, Israel, Egypt and Qatar and communicated a ceasefire plan to Hamas last week.
Total victory
According to the three-phase- plan in the first phase there would be a 45-day pause in fighting with hostage exchanges, Israeli withdrawal from populated areas in Gaza, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts. Subsequent phases focused on exchanging remaining hostages, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and mutual exchanges of remains and bodies.
Qatar described Hamas's response as "positive," but ongoing efforts for resolution involve new negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar. The conflict, initiated by Hamas attacks in October of the previous year, has led to significant casualties and injuries on both sides.
Netanyahu meets Blinken
Earlier in the day, the Israeli PM met U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who has been attempting to advance ceasefire talks and push for a larger postwar settlement.
“The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed the latest efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages and the importance of increasing the amount of humanitarian assistance reaching displaced civilians throughout Gaza,” a statement from the State Department noted.
Met with @IsraeliPM Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss the latest efforts to secure release of all hostages and ensure events of October 7 are never repeated. I stressed the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza and ensuring more humanitarian aid gets to people in need. pic.twitter.com/EQsKUijoL0
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 7, 2024
While the United States secretary stressed on the establishment of a Palestinian state as the best way to ensure lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike, Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian statehood and the potential collapse of his governing coalition further complicates the negotiations.
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