Tel Aviv: In a major development, Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly refused to accept the ceasefire proposal offered by the United States in Gaza. According to a senior Israeli official, the new ceasefire and hostage deal are unacceptable for any Israeli government. The official has stated that the conditions set by Hamas for the ceasefire would weaken Israel’s war objectives and its ability to rescue hostages.
The war has been ongoing in Gaza since October 2023 and claimed more than 53,000 people, and there has been massive destruction.
Why Has Israel Rejected The Deal?
An Israeli official stated that the deal is akin to surrendering to Hamas, according to a report by Ynet. The agreement includes conditions such as releasing only five live hostages on the first day and another five after 60 days.
Additionally, under U.S. supervision, Israel would be required to withdraw its forces to the positions held two months ago and allow extensive humanitarian aid into Gaza. Hamas has also demanded that the agreement be signed by its senior official Khalil al-Hayya and by Witkoff.
We Will Not Accept Hamas’ Terms
An Israeli official said, “Hamas will decide whether we get five more hostages after two months. We’ll have to plead even for the bodies of our own people. No Israeli government will agree to this.” The official further added that these conditions differ from the framework initiated by Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to which Israel is committed.
Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, drafted this ceasefire proposal. It includes a 70-day truce and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of ten Israeli hostages in two groups. The proposal was sent to the Palestinian group Hamas through mediators, and Israel was also asked to give its opinion on it.
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