Prime Minister rules out ending Gaza offensive as domestic pressure for a deal grows
Benjamin Netanyahu stated this Saturday that Israel will continue its military offensive in Gaza and will not accept the conditions imposed by Hamas for the release of the hostages. In a recorded message released by his office, the prime minister was emphatic: “We will not give up.”
Israel accuses Hamas of rejecting its latest proposal
Netanyahu explained that this week Israel presented a new proposal for reaching an agreement: a 45-day truce during which Hamas would release 10 live hostages in the first week. From then on, the door would be opened to negotiations for a permanent ceasefire and the disarmament of the Islamist organization.
However, according to the president, Hamas rejected this offer.
"If we now give in to Hamas's dictates, all the achievements of our fighters, our fallen, and our heroic wounded will vanish," he said.
First soldier killed after the end of the last truce
Netanyahu's message coincided with news that shook the country: The Israeli army confirmed the death of the first soldier since the end of the last humanitarian pause.The tense context reinforces the government's stance of not giving in to the Palestinian group's demands.
“Trump’s vision will not be fulfilled either.”
In his message, Netanyahu referred to a broader plan: US President Donald Trump's vision of turning Gaza into a prosperous and peaceful region.
"If we accept the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army, as Hamas demands, that vision cannot be realized either," he warned.
What does Hamas demand in exchange for releasing the hostages?
The Islamist group issued a statement on Thursday in which He is willing to release all the hostages under three conditions:
- Un complete cessation of the war
- La total withdrawal of Israeli forces
- El start of reconstruction of Gaza
Netanyahu responded harshly:
“These surrender conditions are not new. They are repeated over and over again. What responsible leader in Israel could accept them after October 7? Not me. And I'm sure you wouldn't either.”
Social pressure does not stop
Meanwhile The streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were once again filled with protesters. This Saturday night, thousands of people demanded that the government prioritize an agreement that would allow the hostages' return.
Negotiations with Hamas have been stalled for over a month. 59 kidnapped Israelis remain in Gaza., one of them since before October 7, 2023. At least 24 are believed to be still alive.
Conclusion
Netanyahu's position remains firm: no surrender, no retreat. But the pressure from Israeli society and the protracted tragedy of the hostages' families are growing every day. The future of the negotiations remains uncertain.