TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on Friday his commitment to continue military operations in Gaza until Israel achieves all its strategic objectives, despite a new ceasefire proposal from U.S. President Joe Biden. This statement from Netanyahu's office followed Biden’s announcement that Israel had initially greenlighted his proposal, which also called for Hamas to agree to the ceasefire.
According to Philippines News Agency, the primary objectives of the ongoing military campaign include securing the return of all hostages and dismantling Hamas' military and governance structures. "The war will not end until all of its goals are achieved," the office stated, indicating a protracted continuation of the conflict despite international efforts for peace.
The office also noted that Netanyahu had authorized the Israeli negotiating team to "present an outline for achieving this goal," particularly concerning the hostages' release. The proposal outlined by Biden includes a phased approach starting with a six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas in Gaza and initiate a prisoner exchange.
The conflict, which escalated following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has led to significant casualties. Israel reports the deaths of over 36,000 Palestinians and the capture of about 250 hostages during the initial stages of the conflict. A brief truce in November resulted in the release of 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners, though around 125 individuals remain captive, with concerns that many may have perished in subsequent airstrikes.
Despite ongoing indirect talks facilitated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, the parties have yet to reach an agreement on a permanent ceasefire, reflecting the profound challenges and complexities of the negotiations.