Israel Proposes Two-Month Ceasefire in Gaza, a Day After Rejecting Hamas Deal

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has put forward a proposal for a two-month pause in the offensive against Gaza, according to a report by Axios. The proposal, conveyed to Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, comes just a day after Netanyahu rejected a deal presented by Hamas to end the ongoing conflict that has resulted in the deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians.

The multi-phase proposal from Israel reportedly includes the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, as reported by Axios, citing two Israeli officials.

Netanyahu, facing increasing domestic pressure to secure the release of captives, had vehemently opposed Hamas' conditions, stating that accepting them would leave the armed group "intact" and render the sacrifices of Israel's soldiers "in vain." He expressed outright rejection of what he termed the "terms of surrender" proposed by Hamas on Sunday.

In addition to reiterating his opposition to an independent Palestinian state, Netanyahu emphasized his unwillingness to compromise on "full Israeli security control over the entire area in the west of Jordan."

Hamas had previously released over 100 captives in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners during a brief truce brokered in late November by Egypt, Qatar, and the US. However, the group is still holding 136 people in captivity, according to Israeli officials.

The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a substantial loss of life, with at least 25,105 Palestinians killed since Israel declared its intention to eliminate Hamas in response to the group's attacks on October 7.

Meanwhile, the United States and Britain initiated new strikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels, citing the need to respond to continued attacks on Red Sea shipping. The joint military action targeted Houthi sites, including an underground storage facility and locations associated with their missile and air surveillance capabilities, aiming to disrupt and degrade the group's capabilities. The strikes were carried out in response to what was described as a series of "illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing" actions by the Houthis.