Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected a proposed ceasefire deal from Hamas, declaring that Israel will press forward with its military campaign in Gaza until achieving "complete victory." The announcement came after Hamas presented terms through Qatari mediators, which included a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Netanyahu, in a televised address, stated that accepting Hamas's conditions would not only fail to secure the release of Israeli hostages but also endanger the country's long-term security. "Surrendering to Hamas's demands would be a defeat for Israel," he said. "We will not stop until we dismantle Hamas's military capabilities and ensure our citizens' safety."
International Mediation Efforts
Qatar, along with Egypt, has been actively mediating between the two sides, but Netanyahu's rejection casts doubt on the prospects of an immediate truce. The conflict, which escalated following Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
As the war drags on, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. International organisations have repeatedly called for pauses in fighting to allow aid deliveries, but Israel insists that military pressure is necessary to weaken Hamas.
The Israeli government has faced mounting criticism from global leaders, including the US, which has urged restraint while continuing to support Israel's right to self-defence. Meanwhile, Hamas remains defiant, with senior officials vowing to resist until Israeli forces withdraw.
What Comes Next?
With negotiations at a standstill, analysts warn that the conflict could prolong indefinitely, further destabilising the region. Netanyahu's hardline stance suggests that Israel is preparing for an extended military operation, despite growing international pressure for a diplomatic resolution.
