An Israeli military operation in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah might be postponed if a deal for a weekslong truce between Israel and Hamas is reached, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He stated that total victory in Gaza is anticipated to be achieved "weeks away" once the incursion commences.
Netanyahu told Margaret Brennan on CBS News's "Face the Nation" that an agreement had been reached but did not provide details. Israeli media reported that a temporary truce and the release of dozens of Gaza captives and Palestinian security prisoners were being negotiated. Unnamed insiders told Israeli media that the war council had implicitly authorized it, as per Times of Israel.
Global Pressure on Netanyahu as Gaza Toll Rises
The international community has intensified pressure on Netanyahu's government to cease its offensive in Gaza, where the death toll is nearing 30,000, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. President Biden, while expressing continued support for Israel, has taken a more critical stance, seeking a prolonged pause in the conflict and advocating for a hostage exchange.
Netanyahu, addressing the ongoing negotiations, described Hamas as being on a different planet but acknowledged Israel's efforts to work towards a resolution and secure the release of remaining hostages. He outlined three goals: the release of hostages, the destruction of Hamas, and ensuring Gaza poses no future threat to Israel.
Asserting the need for total victory to achieve peace, Netanyahu highlighted a divergence in views with the Biden administration. While the White House aims for Palestinian governance of Gaza and a two-state solution, Israel opposes these long-term goals.
In a recent move, Israel formally opposed recognizing Palestinian statehood unilaterally, emphasizing the necessity of decisions through negotiators to preempt international pressure.
Tensions escalated further with Israel's announcement of plans to build thousands of homes in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Biden administration condemned the move as inconsistent with international law, maintaining opposition to settlement expansion, according to CBS News.
Netanyahu Plans Evacuation
President Biden has urged Netanyahu to refrain from invading the southern Gaza city of Rafah, emphasizing the need for a credible plan ensuring the safety of the population seeking shelter there.
Netanyahu countered, stating that once the Rafah operation begins, the intense phase of the fighting is weeks away from completion. He assured efforts to evacuate Palestinians out of Rafah, emphasizing Israel's commitment to notify Gaza residents about incoming bombardments.
On the diplomatic front, a senior Egyptian official revealed a draft ceasefire deal involving the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with a proposed six-week pause in fighting and provisions for humanitarian aid.
As discussions progress in Doha, the dire situation in Gaza grows, driving Palestinians further towards Rafah. The closed border in Egypt and the planning of a walled enclosure are causing worries about the future of displaced Palestinians.
Through increasing public pressure and a resurgent protest movement against the government in Israel, Netanyahu is dealing with challenges on both the domestic and international fronts. The worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, characterized by food shortages and serious health problems, reflects the critical need for a comprehensive solution, Daily Mail reported.
