Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has rejected the proposed permanent cease-fire in Gaza until certain conditions are met, contradicting U.S. President Joe Biden’s announcement that it was an Israeli proposal. Netanyahu’s statement came in response to a joint statement by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, who urged both Israel and Hamas to accept the deal, which they said would provide immediate relief to hostages and Gaza residents. However, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s conditions for ending the war, including the destruction of Hamas’ military capabilities and the release of all hostages, before a permanent cease-fire can be implemented.
The families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas have called for all parties to accept the proposal immediately, as they fear time is running out. Gili Roman, whose sister was freed during a previous cease-fire but whose sister-in-law is still held, stressed the importance of Hamas’ cooperation. Families have expressed frustration with the Israeli government’s lack of will to reach a deal, accusing them of delaying negotiations and costing lives.
Meanwhile, Biden has stated that Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out a large-scale attack on Israel like the one that initiated the war in October. He has called on both Israel and Hamas to release remaining hostages and bodies for an extended cease-fire. Cease-fire talks had previously halted last month due to efforts by mediators to prevent a full-scale Israeli invasion of Gaza’s southern city of Rafah.
Israel has confirmed that its troops are operating in central parts of Rafah, leading to the displacement of around 1 million Palestinians and worsening humanitarian conditions. The World Food Program has described the living conditions as “horrific and apocalyptic” due to growing hunger. The proposed deal by Biden includes three phases: a six-week cease-fire, the release of hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The second phase would involve the release of all remaining hostages and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, while the third phase focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza.
While some Palestinians in Deir al-Balah have expressed hope for the proposal, analysts note that the main difference from previous proposals is the readiness to stop the war for an undefined period. This gives Israel the option to renew the war and diminish Hamas’ governing abilities over time. It is clear that Biden is attempting to influence the Israeli government and is speaking directly to the Israeli people with his proposal, according to experts.
In addition to the cease-fire discussions, officials from Egypt, the U.S., and Israel are set to meet in Cairo to discuss the Rafah crossing, which has been closed since Israel took control of the Palestinian side. The crossing is a crucial route for aid to enter Gaza, and Egypt wants Palestinians to regain control of it. Hamas’ attack in October resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250 individuals. The conflict has taken a toll on Gaza, with over 36,370 Palestinians killed in Israel’s bombardment and offensives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
