(CNN)–Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, rejected… An offer from Hamas to a ceasefire in Gaza, insisting that Israel’s goal of “total victory” was within reach.
In a press conference on Wednesday, the Israeli Prime Minister described Hamas’ demands as “delusional,” but did not rule out further negotiations.
Netanyahu said: “We did not commit to anything. We did not commit to any of the delusional demands of Hamas, such as the numbers of terrorists with blood on their hands (for their release).”
Netanyahu added: “There is no commitment. There must be negotiations. It is a process, and at the present time, according to what I see from Hamas, this is not happening.”
CNN reported Wednesday that Hamas presented its response to a proposal for a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza by calling for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the Strip during a four-and-a-half-month truce and a plan to end the war permanently, according to a copy of the counteroffer submitted by the movement and obtained by CNN. .
The Palestinian movement that governs Gaza has proposed a three-phase agreement, each lasting 45 days, that would also see the gradual release of hostages held in the Strip in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel – including those serving life sentences – as well as… The beginning of a massive humanitarian and rebuilding effort.
Contrary to previous demands, Hamas did not demand an immediate end to the war. The document said that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire will take place during the truce, and the remaining hostages will not be released until a final agreement is reached to end the war.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Tuesday that the United States was reviewing Hamas’ response and that he would discuss it with Israeli government officials. On Wednesday, the top US diplomat spoke with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in a closed meeting that lasted a little more than an hour. He is expected to meet with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy as well as other key officials.
Netanyahu said that Israel’s goal is “total victory” and that it “will not do anything less than that.”
Netanyahu added to reporters at a press conference in Jerusalem: “I told Anthony Blinken that we are close to complete victory. We are on our way to achieving complete victory. Victory is achievable. It is not a matter of years or decades, it is a matter of months.”
Netanyahu explained: “I told Blinken today that after we destroy Hamas, we will ensure that Gaza is a safe zone forever. History has proven that only one power can achieve this – Israel, the Israeli army and our security forces,” Netanyahu claimed, reiterating his position that Israel must To maintain full security control over the Gaza Strip after the war. He stressed that “Israel will move in Gaza whenever necessary so that terrorism does not return.”
On Wednesday, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stressed the necessity of reaching a two-state solution. The Palestinian News Agency (Wafa) reported: His Excellency reiterated that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the Palestinian state, and it is not possible to accept or deal with the plans of the occupation authorities to separate it, or cut off any inch of its territory, and cause its fall. Under the responsibility of the State of Palestine and under its administration.”
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2024-02-07 18:59:15
