Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the idea of a permanent cease-fire in Gaza on Saturday. The leader took a sharp stance against a proposal announced by U.S. President Joe Biden, which was initially perceived as an Israeli initiative. Netanyahu’s adamant position is part of a broader hope to meet particular conditions before the war is brought to an end.
Prime Minister Seeks the End of Hamas Threat
Netanyahu’s office issued a statement highlighting Israel’s unaltered stance on ending the war. Included in the necessary conditions are the elimination of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, the liberation of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. The statement further hinted that Israel would insist on these conditions being met before agreeing to a lasting cease-fire.
President Biden, on Friday, argued that Hamas was “no longer capable” of launching a large-scale assault on Israel, comparable to the one from October that instigated the current war. He encouraged both sides to reach an agreement for the release of the approximately 100 remaining hostages and the bodies of another 30 individuals in exchange for an extended cease-fire.
Renewed Cease-fire Negotiations and Unyielding Resistance
Last month, a U.S. led effort with other mediators to secure a cease-fire deal was stalled. The goal was to prevent a full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah, Gaza’s southern city and a reputed stronghold for Hamas fighters. This city was instrumental in the October 7 attack. Israel now claims its troops are conducting operations in central parts of Rafah.
Humanitarian Concerns Amid Conflict
This ground assault has forced nearly a million Palestinians to flee Rafah, disrupting humanitarian operations. The conditions have been so dire that the World Food Program has labeled them as “horrific and apocalyptic,” with increasing instances of hunger in the region.
Meanwhile, time is running out for the families of the hostages. They publicly criticized the Israeli government for its not being proactive enough to secure the hostages’ release.
Hostage Families’ Dire Demands
In a tense meeting with Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, the agitated families were informed that the government was not ready to seal a hostage release deal and that there was no alternative plan in place. Hanegbi further indicated a continuation of the conflict for another seven months to dismantle the capabilities of Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad militant group.
Solidifying the Hostages’ Release: Phases of Biden’s Proposal
The Biden proposal comprises three phases. Phase one involves a “full and complete cease-fire,” Israeli troop withdrawal from densely populated Gaza areas, and the release of some hostages. The following phase incorporates the release of all live hostages, including male soldiers, and the further withdrawal of Israeli troops. The final stage proposes a significant reconstruction of Gaza.
Despite the detailed proposal, Biden admitted that the road to realization could be challenging, with numerous specifics to negotiate from the first to the second phase. The president added that if Hamas fails to uphold its agreement under the deal, Israel would be justified in resuming military actions.
Ceasefire: The Path Forward
Hamas has responded to Biden’s proposal “positively,” urging Israel to commit explicitly to an agreement including a permanent cease-fire, total withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, a prisoner swap, and other requisites.
The ongoing conflict has wreaked devastation since the Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and resulted in about 250 abduction cases. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that Israel’s campaign including bombardment and offensives has led to over 36,370 Palestinian deaths.