Benjamin Netanyahu continues to push for the prolongation of the ongoing genocide on Gaza, which has lasted over a year, even after reaching a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. He obstructs any efforts to end the war and secure the release of captives in Gaza, seemingly aiming to extend the conflict to safeguard his political position and avoid standing trial for corruption charges. Additionally, he seeks to evade an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.
According to The New York Times, Netanyahu seems to be waiting for Mr. Trump to take office before shifting his position on talks with Hamas, according to U.S. officials.
The New York Times further added that while Mr. Trump has urged Israel to “finish up” the war in Gaza, he is unlikely to substantially pressure Mr. Netanyahu or the Israeli military by threatening to withhold military aid.
Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu is ready for a ceasefire in Gaza to free hostages but won’t end the Israeli war.
Furthermore, The New York Times quoted Western officials, reported that Benjamin Netanyahu remains unwilling to make concessions regarding Gaza.
Palestinian and U.S. officials believe Hamas is now more open to a cease-fire deal with Israel, especially if Israel is willing to make compromises, such as withdrawing occupying forces from Gaza.
According to The National, a high-ranking Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Saturday to engage in discussions regarding Gaza ceasefire proposals following recent negotiations in Tel Aviv between Egyptian and Israeli officials.
The New York Times quoted American officials as saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is waiting for President-elect Donald Trump to take office before changing his position on talks with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
According to the officials, Netanyahu believes that the Palestinian Authority's administration of Gaza is doomed to fail, and that Hamas will quickly reassert control of the Gaza Strip after the war.
The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that Israel does not intend to control civilian life in Gaza and that he believes peace is “inevitable” but can’t be based on “illusions.”
Following the announcement of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that his country would work with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in the coming days to bring an end to the war in Gaza, which has been ongoing for more than 13 months.
Hamas insists on a complete halt to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, while Israel demands a temporary truce to secure the release of captives before resuming military operations.
Hamas issued a statement to affirm its commitment to efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza based on previously agreed-upon conditions. These include a cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of displaced residents to northern Gaza, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for captives held by Israel.
The ongoing genocide in Gaza remains mired in political complexities and conflicting agendas. While efforts for a ceasefire continue, spearheaded by international actors like Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, the unwillingness of Israeli to make concessions prolongs the suffering of civilians In Gaza. The international community’s role will be critical in fostering meaningful dialogue and achieving a resolution that prioritizes humanitarian needs and justice for all involved.
Image caption: Trump with Netanyahu in September 2020 after signing the Abraham accords, which normalised relations between Israel and some Middle East countries. Photograph: Tom Brenner/Reuters