Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected proposals for a partial ceasefire with Hamas, citing pressure from US President Donald Trump to “finish the war” in Gaza “with full force”, according to Israeli media reports. Channel 12 news, citing unnamed sources, said Netanyahu told cabinet ministers that Trump urged him to abandon any ceasefire deal that does not involve the release of all hostages.
Netanyahu reportedly quoted Trump as saying: “Go in with full force and finish it [the war].” The report described a tense exchange on Sunday night between Netanyahu and Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, who expressed support for a partial deal. “There is an outline on the table and we need to take it,” Zamir told ministers.
The proposed deal, which Hamas said it accepted on 18 August, would see the release of ten living hostages and the remains of 18 dead captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners during a 60-day truce. Negotiations would then take place for the return of the remaining 20 hostages, up to a dozen of whom are believed alive, and a permanent end to the war. However, Netanyahu’s office has ruled out phased deals, insisting on the release of all hostages “in one go”.
Trump suggested last Monday that the conflict could end within two to three weeks, promising a “very serious diplomatic push” without elaborating. The reports come as frustration grows over the war, which has killed more than 63,000 Palestinians according to Gaza health officials. Netanyahu is pushing ahead with plans to take full control of Gaza, starting with Gaza City, aiming to destroy Hamas and rescue the remaining 48 hostages.
Internationally, Belgium has announced it will recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly later this month. Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot posted on X that firm sanctions would be imposed against the Israeli government, including a ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and a review of procurement policies with Israeli companies. Belgium joins a growing list of nations, including the UK, France, Australia and Canada, that have voiced support for recognising Palestine subject to conditions.
