"Controversial Move": Hamas criticizes as confusion persists over Netanyahu's plan to step down
In the heart of the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel, in conjunction with its U.S. allies, is contemplating "alternative options" to ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, aimed at rescuing hostages held in Gaza, dismantling Hamas's rule, and establishing a lasting peace in the region.
The specifics of these "alternative options" remain undisclosed, but available information suggests they could involve:
- Annexing territories in Gaza if Hamas refuses a ceasefire.
- Expanding military operations, including possible occupation of additional territories and a siege on Gaza City, aimed at rescuing hostages directly.
- Increased targeted actions, such as assassinations or diplomatic pressure on Hamas leaders abroad, including expelling them from countries like Qatar.
Division among top Israeli security officials and political figures is apparent, yet there seems to be a general inclination towards escalating military pressure. Netanyahu has convened with cabinet members and senior security officials to deliberate these options, indicating a readiness to substantially escalate military operations into Gaza areas believed to hold hostages.
The U.S.'s stance on these developments is not explicitly stated, but U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has not publicly addressed the details of these "alternative options." Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham have advocated for ending negotiations and pursuing a military solution, likening the potential Israeli operation to historic military campaigns in Tokyo and Berlin.
Bassem Naim, an official from Hamas's political party, has spoken out against the U.S. stance and accused Witkoff's words of being pressure tactics to help Israel. Naim wrote on Facebook that Hamas had made a good offer, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. He also suggested that if Israel is ready, this offer could lead to a deal.
Ongoing mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have been paused, though uncertainty persists due to Hamas's apparent unwillingness to compromise. The offer made by Hamas was not specified in the paragraph.
The funeral of Marwan Issa, a top Hamas commander killed in March 2024, took place on February 7, 2025, in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, was not explicitly mentioned as speaking in this context.
Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, members of the Prime Minister's alliance, have expressed hawkish views about the situation. Naim wrote that it is now up to Israel and its supporters to end the "dirty game." The US and Israel have pulled their representatives from talks in Qatar, although the reason for this action is not explicitly stated in this paragraph.
- The news of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's consideration of "alternative options" to ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, which includes annexing territories in Gaza and expanding military operations, has been met with varied responses in the political and security circles.
- Recently, the U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has remained silent on the details of these "alternative options," but Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a former U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, has publicly advocated for a military solution.
- Meanwhile, Bassem Naim, an official from Hamas's political party, accused U.S. stance and Witkoff's words of being pressure tactics, suggesting that Hamas has made a good offer that Israel could consider.
- In the realm of general news, the funeral of Marwan Issa, a top Hamas commander, was held in the Bureij refugee camp, while Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, members of the Prime Minister's alliance, have been known for their hawkish views regarding the situation.
