Netanyahu rejects Hamas ceasefire terms, pursues “total victory” in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Hamas’s proposed ceasefire terms, asserting the possibility of achieving “total victory” in Gaza within months.

Referring to negotiations with Hamas, Netanyahu stated, “There is no other solution but a complete and final victory.”

He characterized Hamas’s terms as “bizarre” and emphasized that talks were not progressing.

Hamas responded, with senior official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissing Netanyahu’s remarks as “political bravado.”

Despite the Israeli rejection, a new round of negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar is expected in Cairo on Thursday. An Egyptian official urged flexibility from all parties for a calm agreement.

Hamas had presented a counter-offer to a ceasefire proposal, outlining a three-phase plan.

The first phase involved a 45-day pause, exchange of hostages, Israeli withdrawal from populated areas in Gaza, and the start of reconstruction.

The subsequent phases included further exchanges, Israeli forces leaving Gaza entirely, and the retrieval of remains and bodies.

Qatar described Hamas’s response as “positive,” contrasting with Netanyahu’s rejection of a “delusional” plan.

The proposed deal aimed to increase aid deliveries to Gaza, with negotiations to end the war concluding by the end of a 135-day ceasefire.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with 1,300 people killed in Hamas attacks on southern Israel and over 27,700 Palestinians killed and 65,000 injured in Israel’s response, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Source-BBC