‘Israel cannot accept this’, says Netanyahu as he rejects Hamas’ demand to end Gaza war

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a demand from Palestinian militant group Hamas to cease hostilities as part of a ceasefire agreement. “The State of Israel cannot accept this,” he said, according to reports and emphasised concerns about Hamas regaining control in Gaza and posing a renewed threat to Israeli citizens.

Netanyahu reiterated his stance during a cabinet meeting and stressed on the need to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military capabilities and endangering Israel’s security. On May 4, thousands of Israelis gathered late into the night in Tel Aviv, urging efforts to secure the release of hostages captured by Hamas terrorist on October 7. Demonstrators in the capital voiced their opposition to a prolonged conflict, with some accusing the Prime Minister of exacerbating tensions in Gaza.

Amidst the developments, a Hamas delegation engaged in talks with mediators in Egypt, signalling ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire. However, no significant breakthroughs were reported, according to BBC.

Negotiations in Cairo, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, centered on proposals for halting Israel’s offensive in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages. The key point of contention remains whether the ceasefire would be temporary or permanent. Discussions included a proposed 40-day cessation of hostilities concurrent with the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Also read: World View | Two months of Israel-Hamas war — here’s why Gaza will be a ‘Zone D’

An adviser to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh conveyed the group’s serious consideration of the latest proposal, reports suggest. However, Hamas reiterated its demand for an explicit commitment to an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the complete cessation of hostilities as part of any agreement.

Amid escalating tensions, an unnamed Israeli government official told local news outlets that Israel would continue military operations in Gaza, regardless of ceasefire negotiations, highlighting the determination to address security threats posed by Hamas.

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas escalated after in early October 2023, when Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack from Gaza into Israel, resulting in the deadliest assault in Israel’s history.

Following the initial attack, Israel responded with a military campaign targeting Hamas strongholds in the Palestinian territory, leading to a significant loss of life among Gaza’s population.

During the Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, dozens of gunmen breached Gaza’s border, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 individuals. The attack also involved the firing of thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, causing widespread destruction and casualties, including among civilians, children, and the elderly. Tragically, a music festival attended by 364 young people became a target of violence.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow