Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Wednesday that achieving total victory in Gaza was on the horizon, dismissing the latest ceasefire proposal from Hamas aimed at securing the release of hostages still held in the blockaded territory.
Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to dismantling the Palestinian Islamist movement, asserting that Israel had no option but to bring about the downfall of Hamas.
“The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas,” he told a press conference, insisting that total victory against Hamas was the only solution to the Gaza war.
“Only total victory will allow us to restore security in Israel, both in the north and in the south.”
A senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, dismissed Netanyahu’s remarks as “political bravado,” indicating the Israeli leader’s determination to prolong conflict in the region.
Additionally, another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, revealed that a Hamas delegation led by senior figure Khalil Al-Hayya would journey to Cairo on Thursday to engage in ceasefire discussions with mediators Egypt and Qatar.
Hamas had suggested a ceasefire lasting four-and-a-half months. In this period, all hostages would be released, Israel would withdraw its troops from Gaza, and terms for ending the conflict would be negotiated. This proposal, disclosed by Reuters, followed an earlier plan presented to Hamas by Qatari and Egyptian mediators on behalf of US and Israeli intelligence agencies.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken conferred about the offer with Netanyahu upon his arrival in Israel, following discussions with Qatari and Egyptian leaders. Subsequently, Blinken met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
Israel initiated its military offensive in response to Hamas-orchestrated attacks in southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 casualties and 253 hostages.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 27,585 Palestinians have been confirmed dead, with numerous others feared trapped under debris. To date, only one ceasefire has been implemented, lasting a mere week at the end of November.
Hamas Proposed Three-Phase Truce
Israel had previously stated its commitment to maintaining its troops in Gaza and continuing the conflict until Hamas was eradicated. However, sources close to the negotiations have revealed that Hamas is now approaching its long-standing demand to end the war differently.
Instead of insisting on this as a precondition for a ceasefire, Hamas is proposing it as a topic for future discussions. As per a document outlining the offer, which has been reviewed by Reuters and confirmed by sources, the initial 45-day phase would involve the release of Israeli women hostages, males under 19, and elderly or infirm individuals.
In return, Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons would be released, and Israel would withdraw its troops from populated areas in Gaza.
The implementation of the second phase hinges on the conclusion of “indirect talks over the requirements needed to end the mutual military operations and return to complete calm.” This phase would encompass the release of the remaining male hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all parts of Gaza. The exchange of the remains of the deceased would be addressed during the third phase.