Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has for the first time, since its war in Gaza began in 2023, expressed readiness to end it. However, Netanyahu said that he will proceed towards it provided Hamas meets a set of conditions. The conditions include laying down arms, releasing all hostages, the exile of Hamas leaders and the full demilitarisation of Gaza.
The announcement comes amid mounting international pressure, as leaders from the UK, France and Canada have threatened to impose sanctions on Israel over its continued military offensive in the Palestinian territory. A joint statement released by the British government on behalf of Paris and Ottawa declared, “The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law.”
Responding to the criticism, Netanyahu’s office released a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, accusing the Western leaders of “offering a huge price for the genocidal attack on Israel”, referring to Hamas’ October 2023 assault that triggered the current conflict.
The Israeli offensive intensified last Friday following Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel would take control of the entire Gaza Strip. Humanitarian organisations have warned of an imminent famine in Gaza, especially as aid trucks have been blocked from entering the territory for over two months.
In a post on X, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office outlined Netanyahu’s conditions for ending the war, saying that “no nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t”. The statement described the conflict as “a war of civilization over barbarism”, vowing that Israel would continue fighting until “total victory” is achieved.
Meanwhile, Hamas has expressed interest in a ceasefire deal. According to reports, the group has proposed a 60-day truce in exchange for the release of nine hostages. Talks are ongoing, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States.
Israeli airstrikes continued to batter Gaza overnight and into Tuesday, killing at least 60 people, according to Palestinian health officials. The renewed offensive comes amid growing international condemnation, with Israel stating its goal is to rescue hostages and dismantle Hamas. Despite global pressure, the military campaign has intensified, with over 300 Palestinians reported killed since the latest assault began, AP reported.