Netanyahu: No Gaza Ceasefire Until War Aims Met

image: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aqt a press conference with the Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz (not pictured) in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv , Israel , 28 October 2023

Netanyahu Maintains Conditions for Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Saturday that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza until all its war objectives are achieved. This firm stance casts uncertainty on the peace proposal presented by US President Joe Biden, which calls for a truce and hostage exchange as steps towards ending the conflict .

Biden’s Proposal and International Support

During a speech on Friday, Biden asserted that Hamas had been sufficiently weakened and could no longer launch attacks like the one on October 7 that ignited the current war . He proposed a truce and hostage exchange while negotiations for a permanent end to the fighting take place. This proposal has received widespread international support, with the UN, UK, France, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE endorsing it . Qatar and Egypt also joined the US in urging Israel and Hamas to finalize the ceasefire agreement .

Hamas Responds Positively

Hamas responded positively to Biden’s plan, expressing readiness to engage constructively with any proposal based on a permanent ceasefire . However, Israel remains resolute in its conditions for a ceasefire. Netanyahu’s office reiterated that Israel’s goals include the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the release of all hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel . The statement emphasized that a permanent ceasefire is not possible until these conditions are fulfilled.

Domestic Pressure on Netanyahu

Netanyahu faces significant domestic pressure to address the ceasefire proposal . Opposition leaders are urging him to consider a ceasefire, while ministers within his own party insist on achieving Israel’s original war objectives. Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are also pressing him to accept the proposal . On Saturday, protests erupted across several Israeli cities, with demonstrators demanding Netanyahu’s resignation, the release of hostages, and acceptance of Biden’s proposal. Protesters in Tel Aviv, Caesaria, Haifa, Herzeliya, and Kfar Saba called for action to secure the release of hostages .

Political Tensions and International Pressure

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid emphasized the importance of Biden’s speech, offering Netanyahu a “safety net” by pledging support for a hostage deal if far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich exit the government . Ben Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, had threatened to leave Netanyahu’s coalition if a ceasefire is reached before Israel meets its war aims .

Biden acknowledged the internal tensions within the Israeli government, urging ordinary Israelis to support a hostage agreement that could lead to a ceasefire . He noted the opposition from some government coalition members who advocate for the war to continue indefinitely.

Conflict and Casualties

The conflict, nearing its ninth month, was triggered by Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages . Since then, Israel’s campaign in Gaza has caused over 36,000 deaths . The Israeli military continues operations, with recent actions in Rafah, southern Gaza. A top Israeli security official warned that the conflict could extend into next year .

Conclusion

As Netanyahu holds firm on Israel’s war aims, the future of the Gaza ceasefire proposal remains uncertain. The international community and domestic pressure mount, while the devastating conflict continues to claim lives on both sides.

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