Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Hamas’ proposals for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza as “delusional,” dealing a setback to diplomatic efforts to halt the ongoing conflict.
Speaking to reporters, Netanyahu asserted that achieving “complete victory” over Hamas in Gaza was the only viable option.
His firm stance comes shortly after his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, underscoring the challenges facing efforts to broker a resolution. However, Netanyahu did not indicate Israel’s withdrawal from ongoing discussions facilitated by regional powers such as Qatar and Egypt. Blinken later affirmed that avenues for negotiation still existed.
According to details obtained by CNN, Hamas’ proposal outlined a three-stage process spanning four-and-a-half months, including gradual Israeli troop withdrawal, the release of hostages, and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Netanyahu swiftly rejected the proposal, asserting, “We haven’t committed to any of the delusional demands of Hamas.” He emphasized the necessity for negotiation and a step-by-step process, indicating a lack of progress from Hamas’ side.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s objective of achieving “complete victory” in Gaza, emphasizing its attainability within a matter of months.
During a late-night press conference in Tel Aviv, Blinken suggested that negotiations could still proceed, interpreting Netanyahu’s dismissal as referring to specific elements of Hamas’ proposals deemed unacceptable.
Blinken emphasized the iterative nature of negotiations, highlighting the need for back-and-forth discussions to reach a resolution.
