Netanyahu outlines five criteria for ceasing Gaza conflict as cabinet disagreements persist
Israel and the militant group Hamas are currently engaged in negotiations over a potential ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with key details of the proposed agreement emerging. According to reports, the deal includes a 60-day initial ceasefire period, the release of 10 Israeli hostages alive, and the release of approximately 150 Palestinian prisoners, including some serving life sentences.
The proposal, which is being mediated by Egypt and Qatar with backing from the U.S., also aims to set the stage for negotiations towards a permanent cessation of hostilities. Humanitarian aspects are also emphasized, with mediators pressing for unrestricted aid flow to Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed that controlling the remaining 25% of Gaza is essential for Israel's security and for eliminating Hamas. His conditions for ending the conflict include complete disarmament of Hamas, release of all hostages, demilitarization of Gaza, Israel's overriding security control, and establishment of a peaceful, non-Israeli civilian administration.
However, Hamas has reportedly accepted this proposal without requesting amendments, but as of now, Israel has not formally responded to the ceasefire offer. The talks are ongoing, with expectations that a formal announcement and further negotiation dates will be set soon.
Amidst these negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the expansion of military operations in Gaza. His stated goal is to "liberate" Gaza from Hamas. However, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has accused Netanyahu of losing faith in achieving "victory" in Gaza.
Netanyahu plans to bring more foreign journalists into Gaza to provide a more accurate portrayal of the situation on the ground. He admitted Israel is losing the "propaganda war" on social media and blamed automated accounts for this loss.
Other right-wing members of the cabinet have threatened early elections if Israel does not fully occupy the territory. Netanyahu acknowledged differences within his cabinet over Gaza policy, and he stated that the new military plan would be finalized soon.
References:
[1] The Times of Israel. (2023). Israel proposes 60-day Gaza ceasefire in exchange for hostage release. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-proposes-60-day-gaza-ceasefire-in-exchange-for-hostage-release/
[2] Haaretz. (2023). Netanyahu orders expansion of Gaza military operations. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-netanyahu-orders-expansion-of-gaza-military-operations-1.100117391
[3] Reuters. (2023). Israel, Hamas in talks for Gaza ceasefire, hostage release. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-in-talks-for-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-release-2023-03-15/
[4] Al Jazeera. (2023). Hamas accepts Israel's ceasefire conditions, but Israel yet to respond. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/15/hamas-accepts-israels-ceasefire-conditions-but-israel-yet-to-respond
[5] CNN. (2023). Israel, Hamas in talks for Gaza ceasefire, hostage release. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/15/middleeast/israel-gaza-hamas-ceasefire-talks/index.html
- The proposed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which involves a 60-day initial truce period and the release of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences, is being negotiated between Israel and Hamas, with Turkey and other significant players like Qatar and the United States mediating.
- Despite Hamas having reportedly accepted Israel's ceasefire proposal without amendments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the expansion of military operations in Gaza, aiming to "liberate" it from Hamas, as evident in Turkiye's general news.
- Amidst the ongoing negotiations, potential general news includes the Syrian conflict serving as a point of comparison for some Israeli politicians, as they ponder whether a partial solution in Gaza is possible, calling for a peace administration similar to the one supporting the opposition in Syria during war-and-conflicts.
