Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel will “increase the pressure” on Hamas following the Palestinian group’s acceptance of an Egyptian proposal for a renewed Gaza ceasefire, which Israel rejected with a counteroffer.
“Last night, the Security Cabinet convened and decided to increase the pressure, which was already increased, in order to further pound Hamas and create the optimal conditions for releasing our hostages,” Netanyahu said at the start of a government meeting.
Netanyahu then addressed what he called “lies” about his Gaza strategy. “One – that we are not holding negotiations. This is incorrect. We are holding them under fire; therefore, they are also effective. Suddenly we see that there are cracks,” he said.
Netanyahu also addressed claims that he hasn’t thought about the “final stage.” The Israeli prime minister said that his long-term plan for Gaza involves Hamas disarming, its leaders being expelled, Israel taking control of the “general security” of Gaza, which would mean a full military occupation, and the implementation of President Trump’s ethnic cleansing plan, which he calls “voluntary migration.”
“Hamas will lay down its weapons. Its leaders will be allowed to leave. We will see to the general security in the Gaza Strip and will allow the realization of the Trump plan for voluntary migration. This is the plan. We are not hiding this and are ready to discuss it at any time,” Netanyahu said.
According to CNN, the Egyptian proposal accepted by Hamas would involve the release of five Israeli hostages, including dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, in exchange for a renewed ceasefire and the lifting of the Israeli blockade on aid entering Gaza. Other reports say the ceasefire under the proposal would last 50 days.
The ceasefire would also involve negotiations on implementing the second phase of the initial deal reached in January, which would involve a full Israeli withdrawal and a permanent truce. Netanyahu’s comments make clear that he’s not interested in a deal that will lead to a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.
Israel’s counteroffer reportedly calls for Hamas to release 11 living Israeli hostages in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire.
