Israeli forces intensified their assault on Rafah in southern Gaza with tanks and artillery on Saturday, just hours after US President Joe Biden announced a new roadmap toward a ceasefire. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained that Israel would continue its military campaign until all its objectives were met, including the destruction of Hamas.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel's conditions for ending the war: the dismantling of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the release of all hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. “The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter,” Netanyahu emphasized in a statement.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to consider Biden’s proposal for a Gaza truce that would involve Hamas releasing hostages. Lapid assured Netanyahu of support if far-right coalition partners abandoned the government. “There is a deal on the table and it should be made,” Lapid said.
The US President’s plan outlined a three-stage process starting with a six-week phase during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, and hostages, including women and the elderly, would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations for a lasting ceasefire would continue during this period, Biden stated. Hamas responded positively to the proposal, indicating a willingness to discuss a permanent ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
International reactions have been mixed, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European leaders expressing hope for peace. However, Netanyahu clarified that the proposed roadmap was conditional and aimed at achieving Israel's war goals. Since Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, the conflict has escalated, resulting in significant casualties and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel's conditions for ending the war: the dismantling of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the release of all hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. “The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter,” Netanyahu emphasized in a statement.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to consider Biden’s proposal for a Gaza truce that would involve Hamas releasing hostages. Lapid assured Netanyahu of support if far-right coalition partners abandoned the government. “There is a deal on the table and it should be made,” Lapid said.
The US President’s plan outlined a three-stage process starting with a six-week phase during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, and hostages, including women and the elderly, would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations for a lasting ceasefire would continue during this period, Biden stated. Hamas responded positively to the proposal, indicating a willingness to discuss a permanent ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
International reactions have been mixed, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European leaders expressing hope for peace. However, Netanyahu clarified that the proposed roadmap was conditional and aimed at achieving Israel's war goals. Since Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, the conflict has escalated, resulting in significant casualties and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
