Netanyahu Denies Hamas' Terms for Gaza Cease-Fire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the terms set out by Hamas for a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement in the ongoing war in Gaza. His steadfast position threatens to derail the delicate diplomatic efforts being made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in the region to negotiate a cease-fire deal. Netanyahu’s rejection of Hamas’ terms underlines the significant divide between Israel and Hamas as the conflict enters its fifth month.

Netanyahu Defiant Against Hamas Terms

During a televised evening news conference, Netanyahu dismissed Hamas’ detailed three-phase plan, which would span 4 1/2 months and stipulated that all hostages would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, including senior militants, and an end to the war. The Israeli Prime Minister vowed to continue the war until “absolute victory,” arguing that military pressure was the most effective way to secure the release of approximately 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

The Implications of Hamas’ Proposal

Hamas’ proposal would allow the militant group to maintain power in Gaza and rebuild its military capabilities. This is in direct opposition to Israel’s wartime objectives, which include dismantling Hamas’ governing and military abilities. Netanyahu said that accepting Hamas’ terms would invite further violence, stating, “Surrendering to Hamas’ delusional demands that we heard now not only won’t lead to freeing the captives, it will just invite another massacre.”

Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts by Blinken

Blinken, who is visiting the region for the fifth time since the war erupted, is striving to advance cease-fire talks alongside pushing for a larger postwar settlement. This would involve Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel in return for a “clear, credible, time-bound path to the establishment of a Palestinian state.” However, Netanyahu’s government opposes Palestinian statehood, and his coalition could collapse if seen as making too many concessions.

Dire Conditions in Gaza

The conflict in Gaza is causing severe hardships for residents. Baby formula and diapers are hard to find, leaving new mothers desperate. Residents are living in tents, drenched by winter rains and flooding. There is a severe lack of water, electricity, food, and bathrooms. The Palestinian death toll from four months of war has reached 27,707, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. At least 11,000 wounded people need to be urgently evacuated from Gaza. The majority of the displaced are packed into the southern town of Rafah, near the border with Egypt, living in squalid tent camps and overflowing U.N.-run shelters.