Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video released on Sunday that Israel will not agree to Hamas’s demand to end the war as a pre-condition for releasing the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that while Israel is willing to pause the fighting to secure the release of the hostages, it will not surrender to Hamas’s demands and will continue fighting until all objectives are met.
The statement by Netanyahu follows protests in Israel both supporting and opposing a potential deal, as well as speculation in the media that the U.S. had assured Hamas that Israel would not resume fighting once hostages were released. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are currently in Cairo attempting to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages, estimated to be around 130, with at least 60 believed to be alive.
Despite Israel’s readiness to make concessions, such as releasing convicted Palestinian terrorists, Hamas insists on a permanent end to the war as part of any deal. The goal of Hamas is to survive, regain power in Gaza, and rebuild its forces to threaten Israel once again. Both sides recognize the significance of the outcome, with Israel hesitant to send its delegation to Cairo unless Hamas understands that the war cannot be ended through a hostage deal.
The situation is further complicated by the last Hamas stronghold in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, which the U.S. has urged Israel not to attack. The Biden administration has indicated that a Palestinian state should emerge from the conflict, although Israeli public opinion has shifted following a terror attack in October. The Israeli public is divided on whether to pursue a hostage deal or continue fighting to achieve victory.
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has reportedly demanded guarantees from Israel that fighting will not resume, with the U.S. claiming it can deliver on this issue. Netanyahu’s full statement, provided by the Government Press Office, reaffirms Israel’s refusal to surrender to Hamas’s demands and its commitment to continue fighting until all objectives are achieved.
