Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rebuffed a ceasefire offer from Hamas, which included a 135-day truce in Gaza alongside the release of hostages held by the militant group. The dismissal of the proposal coincides with mounting anxiety among families of those held captive, who fear time is running out to secure the release of their loved ones.
Netanyahu asserted that only a “total victory” over Hamas could ensure Israel’s security following a recent attack by the militants on October 7th. He emphasized the necessity of military pressure to secure the freedom of the hostages, declaring, “The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas.”
Hamas had put forward a four-and-a-half-month ceasefire deal on Wednesday, proposing the phased release of all hostages along with the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, Israeli officials had previously indicated their unwillingness to agree to such terms.
Netanyahu denounced the ongoing negotiations with Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, as unproductive, labeling the group’s demands as “bizarre.” Despite Qatari officials expressing optimism about reaching a deal, Netanyahu reiterated his stance, insisting that the only solution to the conflict in Gaza is a decisive victory.
A senior Hamas official dismissed Netanyahu’s remarks as “political bravado,” suggesting his intent to prolong the conflict. Pressure has been mounting on Netanyahu both domestically and internationally over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Over the past 24 hours, families of the hostages have engaged in diplomatic efforts, meeting with world leaders including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Qatari diplomats in London, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders. They pleaded with these leaders for support in securing the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
Amid these diplomatic efforts, reports from Israeli intelligence suggest that a significant number of hostages, potentially 51, have been killed since their capture in October. Concerns are mounting that more lives are at risk as Israel intensifies its bombardment of the Hamas-controlled territory.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited Tel Aviv on Wednesday, discussed the ceasefire proposal with Netanyahu following talks with mediators from Qatar and Egypt. Blinken acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that much work remains to be done to reach a hostage release agreement.
Families of the hostages have expressed urgency, warning that time is of the essence. They have called for swift action from the Israeli government and urged acceptance of the current ceasefire proposal to prevent further loss of life.
President Macron held a tribute in Paris on Wednesday to mark four months since the capture of the hostages. Families of French hostages reiterated their plea for assistance, emphasizing the need for tangible support rather than mere hope.
As tensions persist and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the fate of the hostages remains uncertain. Despite efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and secure their release, the situation on the ground remains precarious, with innocent lives hanging in the balance.
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