Netanyahu Outlines Conditions for Lasting Peace with Hamas Amid Ongoing Conflict
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has laid out clear demands for a lasting ceasefire with Hamas as the Gaza war continues.
JERUSALEM: As efforts to secure a 60-day halt in the ongoing conflict intensify, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the need for Hamas to meet specific conditions to achieve a lasting peace.
Speaking on Thursday, he stated that Israel is prepared to engage in negotiations once a temporary ceasefire begins, but insisted that disarmament and relinquishment of control over Palestinian territory are essential prerequisites.
Failure to reach an agreement on these terms could result in further military action, according to Netanyahu.The Israeli leader's comments come amid reports of high civilian casualties within Gaza.
The Gaza civil defense agency reported 66 deaths resulting from Israeli strikes across the territory on Thursday alone, including eight children who lost their lives while queuing for nutritional supplements outside a health clinic.
A one-year-old boy, who had just uttered his first words, was among the victims according to the UN children's agency.The ceasefire negotiations have been a central point of discussion in Netanyahu's conversations with US President Donald Trump and through indirect talks mediated by Qatar.
While progress has been made, significant differences remain, particularly concerning Hamas' demand for unrestricted access to aid and Israel's territorial control over Gaza.
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, acknowledged these challenges while suggesting that a detailed agreement may take additional time to finalize.Netanyahu's announcement sets forth 'fundamental conditions,' including the complete disarmament of Hamas and neutralization of their control over the Palestinian territory.
He highlighted two possible outcomes: successful negotiation within 60 days or enforcement through military means.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim responded with a rejection of continued Israeli occupation and opposition to the proposed isolation of Palestinians into enclaves, particularly concerning areas like Rafah and the Morag Corridor.The conflict has led to significant loss of life on both sides, with health authorities in Gaza reporting at least 57,762 Palestinian deaths, most of whom are civilians.
In response to Hamas' October 2023 attack, Israel has reported a death toll of 1,219 individuals, with the majority being non-combatants.
The seizure and current holding status of hostages remain a contentious issue in negotiations, indicating complex challenges ahead for any potential peace agreement.
Speaking on Thursday, he stated that Israel is prepared to engage in negotiations once a temporary ceasefire begins, but insisted that disarmament and relinquishment of control over Palestinian territory are essential prerequisites.
Failure to reach an agreement on these terms could result in further military action, according to Netanyahu.The Israeli leader's comments come amid reports of high civilian casualties within Gaza.
The Gaza civil defense agency reported 66 deaths resulting from Israeli strikes across the territory on Thursday alone, including eight children who lost their lives while queuing for nutritional supplements outside a health clinic.
A one-year-old boy, who had just uttered his first words, was among the victims according to the UN children's agency.The ceasefire negotiations have been a central point of discussion in Netanyahu's conversations with US President Donald Trump and through indirect talks mediated by Qatar.
While progress has been made, significant differences remain, particularly concerning Hamas' demand for unrestricted access to aid and Israel's territorial control over Gaza.
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, acknowledged these challenges while suggesting that a detailed agreement may take additional time to finalize.Netanyahu's announcement sets forth 'fundamental conditions,' including the complete disarmament of Hamas and neutralization of their control over the Palestinian territory.
He highlighted two possible outcomes: successful negotiation within 60 days or enforcement through military means.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim responded with a rejection of continued Israeli occupation and opposition to the proposed isolation of Palestinians into enclaves, particularly concerning areas like Rafah and the Morag Corridor.The conflict has led to significant loss of life on both sides, with health authorities in Gaza reporting at least 57,762 Palestinian deaths, most of whom are civilians.
In response to Hamas' October 2023 attack, Israel has reported a death toll of 1,219 individuals, with the majority being non-combatants.
The seizure and current holding status of hostages remain a contentious issue in negotiations, indicating complex challenges ahead for any potential peace agreement.
