Description: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cabinet has stated that the Israeli government was closely analyzing the latest ceasefire proposal previously accepted by Hamas with no preconditions or amendments and was expected to submit its official response by the end of the week. The ceasefire outlined a 60 – day cessation of hostilities where a gradual exchange of hostages would take place with Hamas expected to return up to 28 of the remaining 50 hostages held in captivity in return for around 1,700 Palestinian prisoners. Under the provisions of the agreement, the Israeli military would also withdraw approximately towards a 1-kilometer-wide zone while negotiations for the end of the war would intensify and continue. Netanyahu has stated that Israel wanted the complete release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas and its unilateral dissolution as a terrorist organization. US President Donald Trump supported Netanyahu’s claims, commenting on social media that Hamas had to be destroyed and confronted in order for the war to end. Qatari and Egyptian mediators however expressed cautious optimism stating that the ceasefire mirrored what US special envoy Steven Witkoff proposed a month ago and were expecting constructive results from the latest peace initiative.
Impact: Netanyahu’s government finds itself in a precarious position which is splintered between public and international pressure and initiatives to expand military operations into Gaza by core elements of the ruling far – right party. Israel, by potentially refusing the ceasefire proposal or submitting amendments such as the complete release of all the remaining hostages, risks even further condemnation from its own population and the international community. The plans for expanding the military operations and fully occupying the Gaza Strip remain active which could precipitate further devastation and loss of human life. By enforcing amendments such as the complete release of the remaining hostages Israel is setting unrealistic ceasefire terms unlikely to be accepted by Hamas. The issue remains in a state of constant flux as Netanyahu’s government weighs on its possibilities which are presently leaning towards an eventual acceptance of the ceasefire agreement.