Israel’s Prime Minister says the military may launch an attack on Gaza, even if Hamas agrees to a new truce proposal.
- Israel offered Hamas a 40-day ceasefire in exchange for releasing hostages
- The deal would allow displaced families to return to northern Gaza
- Hamas is considering the proposal, which has new wording about restoring calm
- But Israel’s PM says an offensive in Rafah could still happen “with or without” a deal
Could this potential ceasefire stop the fighting in Gaza? Let’s take a closer look.
Ceasefire Proposal Details
The latest ceasefire proposal from Israel is being described as “significantly different” from previous offers. Here are some of the critical details:
- It includes a 40-day pause in hostilities between Israel and Hamas
- In exchange, Hamas would release hostages it is currently holding
- The deal would permit families displaced by fighting to go back to their homes in northern Gaza
- It contains revised language about “restoring calm” to Gaza, aimed at satisfying Hamas’s demand for a permanent truce
Both the United States and the United Kingdom have called this a generous proposal that could finally end the fighting that has raged for over six months.
Status of the Negotiations
Mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. have been working hard to broker a ceasefire agreement. As of now:
- A Hamas delegation met with the mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal
- They have now left Cairo to consult with Hamas’s top leadership in Gaza
- Arab media reports that Hamas will reply with their decision by Friday
According to one source close to the talks, there is “cautious optimism” that Hamas may accept this deal. But Israel’s prime minister has made a surprising statement.
Israel PM’s Warning of Possible Attack
Despite the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning:
“Israel will carry out an offensive against Hamas in Rafah, regardless of whether or not a truce deal is reached.”
He reiterated Israel’s determination to launch a ground invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. The goal would be to eliminate Hamas battalions operating there.
This statement contradicts trying to finalize a potential ceasefire agreement. There are also divisions within Israel’s government about the best path forward.
Disagreements Within Israel’s Leadership
Hardliners in Netanyahu’s cabinet, like Minister Bezalel Smotrich, are adamant that conquering Rafah militarily must be the top priority for defeating Hamas.
However, more centrist figures like Benny Gantz argue that reaching a hostage deal and ceasing hostilities should be the primary focus.
With the U.S. Secretary of State expected to visit Israel soon, there will likely be intensifying pressure on Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire proposal.
Concerns Over Potential Rafah Offensive
A full-scale Israeli ground invasion of the densely populated Rafah carries significant risks of civilian casualties. The area has over 1.4 million people crammed into a tiny space.
The U.S. has already stated it has not seen any plan that can effectively protect those civilians during such an assault.
There are also logistical challenges with safely evacuating so many people to allow Israeli forces to operate against Hamas targets.
Outlook Remains Uncertain
With intense fighting continuing daily in Gaza, it remains to be seen whether this potential ceasefire deal can be accepted soon.
Israel may feel encouraged to pursue an attack still if Hamas rejects the proposal. Conversely, mounting international pressure could force Israel’s hand.
Only time will tell if this “extraordinarily generous” truce can finally pause the bitter, 7-month conflict. What path will the Israeli government ultimately choose?
