Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has turned down the proposition for a temporary ceasefire amid the escalating conflict in Gaza. This announcement was made following a high-profile meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Netanyahu asserted that Israel would not entertain any ceasefire proposal that did not encompass the release of hostages. This stance comes in the wake of mounting international pressure for a cessation of Israeli strikes on Hamas, a call that has gained momentum following Blinken’s visit and his appeal for more measures to safeguard civilians in Gaza.
The United States has been intensifying its pressure on Israel, emphasizing a moral obligation to halt the hostilities to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, particularly fuel, to Gaza. Similar appeals have been voiced by France, Spain, and other European nations.
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However, Netanyahu has remained resolute, declaring that Israel will persist with its military operation in Gaza “with full force” until the hostages in the Strip are freed. This steadfast refusal to agree to a proposed humanitarian pause has sparked a rift between Washington and the Israeli government.
This latest development is poised to have far-reaching implications for the ongoing conflict and the global response to it.