In a significant setback to diplomatic efforts aimed at halting the Israel-Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas’ proposals for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza as “delusional,” as per CNN’s report.
During a briefing on Wednesday, Netanyahu asserted, “We haven’t agreed to anything. We have not accepted any of Hamas’ delusional demands, including the release of terrorists with blood on their hands.”
Netanyahu emphasized that there has been no commitment on Israel’s part, highlighting the necessity for negotiation and a structured process. He expressed skepticism about Hamas’ sincerity in engaging in meaningful dialogue, stating, “From what I see from Hamas at the moment, negotiation is not happening.”
Israel’s objective, according to Netanyahu, remains “complete victory,” asserting that the country will settle for nothing less. He conveyed optimism about the attainability of this victory, asserting that it is not a matter of years or decades but of months.
Netanyahu’s stance deals a blow to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s efforts as he visits the region to facilitate an end to the violence. Despite this, Netanyahu did not entirely rule out the possibility of further discussions.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan announced in a news conference in Beirut that the organization would dispatch a delegation to Cairo to follow up on their proposals for the hostage and ceasefire arrangements. Hamdan expressed the delegation’s commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.
In a separate development, Blinken met with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, according to CNN’s report. The meeting, which took place at 11:50 am local time, was held behind closed doors.
Blinken’s visit to Israel is part of his efforts to engage with key government officials and advocate for a “humanitarian pause” amidst mounting international and domestic pressure to end the Gaza conflict. The discussions gained added significance as Hamas responded to a proposal aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages and achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Hamas’ response outlines a three-phase plan, with each phase lasting 45 days. It includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, significant humanitarian efforts, and unrestricted movement for Gazans, according to information obtained by CNN.
During both his current and previous trips to the Middle East, Blinken has emphasized the need for the Israeli government to make “difficult” decisions and work towards a two-state solution. This, he argues, is crucial for achieving normalization with Saudi Arabia and garnering support from Arab neighbors for Gaza’s reconstruction and security.
Blinken’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscored Saudi Arabia’s interest in normalizing relations with Israel. However, the Crown Prince emphasized that ending the Gaza conflict and establishing a clear path to a Palestinian state are essential prerequisites for such normalization.