Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that he would only agree to a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, rejecting a full cessation of hostilities. This stance casts doubt on the feasibility of a US-backed ceasefire proposal.
Netanyahu made these remarks in an interview with Israeli Channel 14, a conservative media outlet known for its pro-Netanyahu stance, late Sunday. He stated that he is willing to consider a partial truce to facilitate the return of some of the 120 hostages held in the Gaza Strip. However, he emphasized that “we are committed to continuing the war after a pause, in order to complete the goal of eliminating Hamas.”
These comments come amid growing tensions between Israel and Hamas, as they appear to be diverging further regarding the US-backed ceasefire proposal. This development may pose another obstacle for mediators attempting to bring about an end to the war.
The three-phase plan envisages the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for the liberation of hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. However, disagreements and distrust persist between Israel and Hamas concerning the implementation of the deal.
Hamas has asserted that it will not release the remaining hostages unless a permanent ceasefire is established and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza is guaranteed.
Israeli ground offensives and airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of over 37,400 people in Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. It is important to note that the ministry’s count does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
Israel launched its military operation in the Gaza Strip following Hamas’s October 7 attack, during which militants stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people — predominantly civilians — and abducting approximately 250.