Israeli Prime Minister Rejects Gaza Ceasefire, Pursues Military Victory

In a defiant response to Hamas’ proposed ceasefire terms and amidst U.S.-led mediation efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected any settlement that falls short of “absolute victory” over the militant group. Netanyahu confirmed the initiation of military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, dismissing the possibility of a civilian collapse without a preceding military one.

Addressing concerns raised by the Biden administration and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Netanyahu asserted that months of continued fighting were necessary to defeat Hamas, emphasizing that no part of Gaza would be “immune” from Israel’s offensive. He also ruled out any arrangement that would leave Hamas in control of Gaza, rejecting their proposed 135-day ceasefire.

The ongoing conflict labeled the deadliest in Israeli-Palestinian history, has claimed over 27,000 Palestinian lives, displaced countless individuals, and raised concerns about potential war crimes in the event of a ground offensive in Rafah.

International attention now turns to Cairo, where a new round of negotiations, aimed at achieving calm in the Gaza Strip, is set to commence on Thursday. Hamas officials decry Netanyahu’s pursuit of war, labeling it a genocidal effort against Palestinians.