Hamas: Netanyahu rejects ceasefire deal, vows “Complete Victory”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly dismissed Hamas’ latest proposals for a ceasefire and a potential hostage deal in Gaza as “delusional,” dealing a blow to ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at halting the conflict.
CNN reports that Netanyahu, speaking at a press conference, asserted there was no alternative to achieving “complete victory” over Hamas in Gaza.
His staunch stance comes shortly after a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, undermining the increasingly urgent attempts to broker a breakthrough in the escalating conflict.
Despite the setback, Netanyahu didn’t indicate that Israel would withdraw from the ongoing discussions mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Blinken later remarked that there still remained a potential path to a resolution.
The Hamas proposal outlined a three-stage plan over four-and-a-half months, involving a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region, the release of hostages, and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
However, Netanyahu swiftly rejected the offer, labeling it as “delusional” and insisting on a negotiation process.
“Our aim is complete victory in Gaza,” declared Netanyahu, emphasizing that such a victory could be achieved within months, not years or decades.
Blinken, addressing reporters in a late-night briefing in Tel Aviv, suggested that negotiations could still progress despite Netanyahu’s dismissal.
He interpreted Netanyahu’s “delusional” comment as referring to specific elements of the Hamas proposals deemed unacceptable.
Hamas announced its intention to dispatch a delegation to Cairo to follow up on its proposals, according to the group’s spokesman Osama Hamdan.
Hamas laid out a comprehensive three-phase plan, each lasting 45 days, which included the gradual release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Contrary to previous demands, Hamas did not insist on an immediate end to the conflict but proposed negotiations for a permanent ceasefire during the truce period.
Netanyahu has pledged to continue the offensive until Israel eliminates Hamas entirely, reaffirming his stance after the latest rejection of Hamas’ proposals.
The offensive, initiated in response to an attack by Hamas four months ago, has inflicted significant humanitarian suffering on Gaza’s population.
During a brief truce in November, 105 hostages were released in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
However, Israel estimates that 132 hostages remain in Gaza, with 29 presumed dead following attacks on October 7.
