8-2-2024 (JERUSALEM) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas’ recent ceasefire offer and the proposal for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed openness to further negotiations to reach an agreement.
Hamas, the governing Palestinian militant group in Gaza, presented a ceasefire plan spanning 4-1/2 months. The proposal outlined the release of all hostages, Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and discussions towards ending the conflict.
Netanyahu labelled Hamas’ stance as “delusional,” reiterating Israel’s commitment to dismantle the group entirely. He asserted that victory over Hamas remained the sole resolution to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
During a press conference, Netanyahu stated, “The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas.” He emphasised the necessity of sustained military pressure to secure the release of hostages.
However, Blinken’s remarks, following his meeting with Netanyahu, suggested a potential for progress in ceasefire negotiations. Blinken acknowledged certain non-starters in Hamas’ proposal but highlighted room for further discussion towards a resolution.
Blinken engaged with leaders from Qatar, Egypt, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, indicating diplomatic efforts to mediate the conflict.
Hamas officials dismissed Netanyahu’s statements as political rhetoric, affirming their commitment to pursue talks for a ceasefire. A Hamas delegation, led by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya, is scheduled to engage in ceasefire discussions in Cairo with mediators from Egypt and Qatar.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages in southern Israel on October 7. Gaza’s health ministry reported significant casualties, with thousands feared buried under rubble. Despite a week-long truce in November, hostilities persisted.
Hamas proposed a three-phase truce, offering to release hostages and initiating Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. The proposal outlined subsequent negotiations to address remaining issues and restore calm in the region.
Washington framed the hostage and truce deal as part of broader plans for Middle East reconciliation, including the creation of a Palestinian state. However, Netanyahu rejected the idea of a Palestinian state, a requirement for normalising relations with Israel according to Saudi Arabia.
The Israeli military’s plans to advance into Khan Younis and Rafah raised concerns over escalating humanitarian crises. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of dire consequences, condemning Israel’s actions.
In response, the International Rescue Committee expressed alarm, highlighting the potential humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. Palestinian health officials reported civilian casualties from Israeli airstrikes, exacerbating the already precarious situation.
