Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Hamas’ request to end the war in Gaza and reach a ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu stated that Israel cannot accept the conditions proposed by Hamas, as it would result in a resurgence of Hamas military activities and a threat to Israeli citizens. He emphasized that capitulating to Hamas’ demands would be a significant defeat for Israel.
In response, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh expressed a willingness to reach a comprehensive ceasefire to end Israeli aggression, ensure Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and secure the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel has evidence indicating that Hamas is not interested in a hostage deal, prompting the army to prepare for an offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza, in the near future.
French President Emmanuel Macron encouraged Netanyahu to continue negotiations with Hamas for a ceasefire and hostage release. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in France for a state visit. Hezbollah retaliated against Israel for an attack in southern Lebanon by launching rockets into northern Israel, resulting in a significant barrage.
The IDF closed the main humanitarian aid crossing point to Gaza, Kerem Shalom, due to rocket fire from the area. The Israeli army reported that dozens of rockets were launched by Hezbollah in northern Israel, with some intercepted. Currently, there are no reports of injuries from the attack. This escalation in violence marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and its adversaries.
Amidst this escalation of violence between Israel and its adversaries,
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has called on international community
to intervene and stop what he sees as Israel’s aggression towards Palestine.
He urged foreign leaders to put pressure on Netanyahu to withdraw
from occupied territories and respect Palestinian rights.
Meanwhile,
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has said that while he understands
the international calls for peace negotiations,
he believes that Hamas must first comply with certain conditions before any talks can begin.
Gallant added that any ceasefire agreement must include
the release of all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also weighed in on the conflict,
urging both sides to come together at the negotiating table.
Macron called on Netanyahu and Haniyeh
to find common ground and work towards lasting peace.
