TEL AVIV: Concern mounted on Tuesday over the chances of securing a Gaza truce, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed making any “concessions” in stalled talks with Hamas towards a hostage release deal.
In a televised address on Tuesday, Netanyahu said that Israel would not relent under pressure from protesters demanding a resolution to the ongoing conflict. He stated, “I will not give in to pressure,” and insisted that it is Hamas that has refused to negotiate terms for a ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s remarks followed nationwide protests over the weekend, triggered by the recovery of six dead hostages from Gaza, which intensified calls for the release of the remaining captives.
The Israeli leader’s refusal to compromise has drawn criticism from various quarters. Mairav Zonszein of the International Crisis Group said that Netanyahu’s statements indicate a reluctance to end the war or reach a deal with Hamas. He said that Netanyahu’s actions are motivated more by political motives than by genuine security concerns.
US President Joe Biden, who met with negotiators working alongside Qatar and Egypt, expressed skepticism about Netanyahu’s commitment to securing a hostage deal, replying “no” when asked if he believed the Israeli Prime Minister was doing enough.
Netanyahu’s coalition, which relies heavily on far-right ministers opposed to a truce, has played a significant role in shaping his stance. The Prime Minister has been adamant that Israel must maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor, the Gaza-Egypt border area. Hamas has categorically rejected Netanyahu’s condition.
Meanwhile, Egypt also rejected the condition, accusing Netanyahu of seeking to “distract Israeli public opinion and obstruct reaching a ceasefire deal”.
Hamas has long demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and Egyptian officials have voiced their objection to an Israeli military presence on the border.
Netanyahu “wants to occupy Gaza on some level indefinitely” and was now “just saying it more openly”, Zonszein said.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Since October 7, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 40,819 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN has reported severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with widespread displacement and the recent emergence of polio cases.
In response to these dire conditions, international actors have increased their calls for a ceasefire. Britain has suspended some arms exports to Israel, citing concerns over potential breaches of international humanitarian law.
On the ground in Gaza, the situation remains dire. Israeli air raids continue to target various locations, including a college and a displacement camp, causing further casualties. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has initiated a vaccination campaign in response to the confirmed polio case, aiming to reach more than 160,000 children.
In the West Bank, Israeli military operations continue, with recent raids resulting in the deaths of at least 27 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
