February 07, 2024: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas’s latest offer for a ceasefire on Wednesday, stating that a complete triumph over the Gaza Strip was on the horizon. Rejecting Hamas’s proposal aimed at securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to dismantling the Palestinian Islamist movement.
Speaking at a press conference, Netanyahu emphasized, “The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas.” He asserted that achieving total victory against Hamas remained Israel’s sole solution to the conflict in Gaza.
Hamas had put forward a ceasefire proposal spanning four-and-a-half months, which included the release of all hostages, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and negotiations for a permanent end to the war.
This offer from Hamas was in response to a previous proposal presented by U.S. and Israeli intelligence officials and conveyed to Hamas by mediators from Qatar and Egypt.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions regarding the ceasefire offer with Netanyahu upon his arrival in Israel, following talks with leaders from Qatar and Egypt, the key mediators in the conflict. Blinken later met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
The Israeli military offensive commenced after Hamas operatives in Gaza carried out an attack in southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Gaza’s health ministry reports a significant number of Palestinian casualties, with thousands feared trapped under debris. Only one ceasefire has been observed thus far, lasting a week in November.
Israel has consistently stated its refusal to withdraw troops from Gaza or end the conflict until Hamas is eradicated. However, sources suggest that Hamas is adopting a new stance on ending the war, proposing it as a subject for future negotiations rather than a precondition for a ceasefire.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Hamas’s revised proposal does not demand an immediate guarantee of a permanent ceasefire but stipulates that an agreement to end the war must be reached before the final release of hostages.
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