Netanyahu Seeks to Derail Gaza Ceasefire as Israel Prepares to Resume War
Despite ongoing negotiations, Netanyahu’s demands signal a push for further escalation in Gaza, raising concerns over Israel’s true intentions regarding a lasting ceasefire.
Watan-As anticipation grows over the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is imposing conditions that could hinder any new deal, while reports indicate he is preparing to resume the war on Gaza. Despite his public statements about willingness to negotiate, his demands suggest a preference for escalation over de-escalation.
Netanyahu has stated that he is open to negotiations that include the release of Palestinian prisoners whom Israel had previously refused to free. However, his primary condition is that Hamas relinquish control of Gaza and that its top leaders leave the territory. According to Israeli and U.S. officials, Israel sees any ceasefire or end to the war as contingent on completely eliminating Hamas’ influence in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel has set another demand: withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, with Hamas agreeing not to reassert any form of control over Gaza. However, Israeli assessments indicate that Hamas is unwilling to abandon its military capabilities or weapons, making a comprehensive resolution increasingly difficult.
Hamas, on the other hand, has rejected any Israeli-imposed conditions regarding Gaza’s future, warning that Netanyahu intends to resume the war while exploiting former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about Palestinian displacement to derail any political agreement. The movement has emphasized that Gaza’s governance is solely a Palestinian matter and that it will not partake in any deal aimed at undermining the Palestinian cause.
Given these complexities, doubts remain about Israel’s true commitment to a lasting ceasefire, raising concerns that negotiations may simply serve as a political cover for preparing a new stage of the war. The fate of the Gaza agreement now depends on international pressure and Palestinian responses, amid warnings that Israel’s continued intransigence could ignite further war.
