The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected a recent statement from Hamas declaring its willingness to reach a ceasefire agreement, according to reports from Al Jazeera. In response to Hamas’s expression of readiness, Netanyahu’s office reiterated Israel’s firm conditions for ending the war.
According to the statement, Israel maintains that “the war can end immediately” if Hamas accepts the terms laid out by the Israeli cabinet. These conditions include the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza, and the complete disarmament of Hamas. The Israeli government has consistently emphasized that no ceasefire will be accepted without meeting these core demands.
Further elaborating on its stance, the Israeli government reaffirmed its broader strategic objectives in Gaza. These include the full demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over the territory, and the establishment of an alternative civil government to replace Hamas. These points reflect Israel’s long-term vision for ensuring security and stability following the end of hostilities.
In addition, Israeli media outlets reported a strong statement from Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (though some sources mistakenly cite Israel Katz), who rejected Hamas’s ceasefire statement by issuing a stern warning. He stated that Hamas has “only two options”: surrender or face continued military pressure. The comment underscores Israel’s determination to press on with its military objectives unless its demands are unequivocally met.
The developments come amid ongoing international calls for a ceasefire and growing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, though both sides remain far apart on terms for ending the conflict.
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