Gaza ceasefire: Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu rejects Hamas’s proposed terms
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Hamas ceasefire terms, aiming for “total victory” in Gaza within months.
He labels Hamas demands as “bizarre” and unproductive, signalling stalled negotiations.
“There is no other solution but a complete and final victory,” Netanyahu told a news conference on Wednesday.
“If Hamas will survive in Gaza, it’s only a question of time until the next massacre.”
Egypt has called on all parties to show flexibility to reach a calm agreement.
Hamas put forward its counter-offer to a ceasefire proposal on Tuesday.
A source said another round of negotiations will happen on Thursday in Cairo, mediated by Egypt and Qatar.
A draft of the Hamas document seen by Reuters news agency listed these terms:
- Phase one: A 45-day pause in fighting during which all Israeli women hostages, males under 19, the elderly and sick would be exchanged for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, and the reconstruction of hospitals and refugee camps would begin.
- Phase two: Remaining male Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and Israeli forces leave Gaza completely.
- Phase three: Both sides would exchange remains and bodies.