Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that any Gaza ceasefire deal must allow Israel to resume fighting until its objectives are met. This declaration comes as talks over a U.S. plan aimed at ending the nine-month-old conflict are expected to restart.
Hamas’s Position
Five days after Hamas accepted a key part of the U.S. plan, two officials from the Palestinian militant group said they were awaiting Israel’s response to their latest proposal. Initially, Hamas demanded a permanent ceasefire before signing any agreement but later agreed to negotiate this during the six-week first phase.
Negotiation Plans
Netanyahu was scheduled to hold consultations on Sunday to discuss the next steps in negotiating the three-phase plan presented in May by U.S. President Joe Biden and mediated by Qatar and Egypt. The plan aims to end the war and free around 120 Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Conditions
Netanyahu insists that the deal must not prevent Israel from resuming fighting until its war objectives—dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and returning the hostages—are met. Additionally, the deal must prohibit weapons smuggling to Hamas via the Gaza-Egypt border and prevent the return of armed militants to northern Gaza.
Upcoming Diplomatic Meetings
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns is set to meet with the Qatari prime minister and the Israeli and Egyptian intelligence chiefs on Wednesday in Doha. Burns is also expected to visit Cairo this week with an Israeli delegation.
Continued Conflict in Gaza
Despite the ongoing negotiations, fighting in Gaza persists. The Israeli military renewed orders for residents and displaced families in several districts in Gaza City to leave their homes. Some residents reported hearing tank shells and gunfire from Israeli drones, causing panic and further displacement.
Humanitarian Impact
Palestinian health officials reported that an Israeli air strike on a house in Jabalia killed at least 10 people, with many wounded and others missing. The renewed talks follow months of failed attempts to reach a ceasefire, with previous negotiations often collapsing despite claims of progress.
Bottom Line
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to compromise on key conditions for a ceasefire deal with Hamas may stall peace talks, prolonging the conflict and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
