Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has rejected a proposal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, saying that until long-standing conditions for ending the war are met, a ceasefire is a “non-starter”. This statement appears to undermine a proposal announced by US President Joe Biden earlier, which stated that Israel would be willing to end its war with Hamas in Gaza for an undefined period. According to the proposal, Israel would agree to a ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza and the reconstruction of the region. However, Israel’s conditions for ending the war remain unchanged, which includes the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
In a tweet, President Biden announced the proposal, stating that Israel would agree to a six-week ceasefire, followed by the release of all living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The third phase of the proposal would involve the reconstruction of Gaza, including the rebuilding of homes and infrastructure. However, Biden acknowledged that keeping the proposal on track would be difficult, with many details to negotiate.
Meanwhile, families of the hostages held by Hamas have called for a deal to be reached as soon as possible, saying that time is running out. Many of the families have accused the Israeli government of lacking the will to secure a deal, and have criticized the government for delaying negotiations.
Hamas, on the other hand, has viewed the proposal “positively” and has called on Israel to commit to a permanent ceasefire and a withdrawal of its troops from Gaza. The group has also demanded the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Israel’s Ceasefire Conditions Remained Unchanged
The proposal has been met with hope by some Palestinians, who see it as an opportunity to bring an end to the war and rebuild their communities. However, others are skeptical, citing past failed attempts at ceasefires and the ongoing occupation of Gaza.
Egypt, which has been involved in the negotiations, has refused to open its side of the Rafah crossing, which is a main way for aid to enter Gaza. Egypt has insisted that Palestinians must be in charge of the crossing again, which has led to tensions with Israel and the US.
The war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 36,370 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and the injury of many more. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with millions of Palestinians relying on international aid to survive.
The proposal is seen as a significant development in the conflict, which has been ongoing for months. The US has been pushing for a ceasefire, and President Biden’s proposal has been seen as a way to bring an end to the war. However, the outcome remains uncertain, and it is clear that many obstacles need to be overcome before a ceasefire can be reached.
