Israel Rejects Hamas’ Ceasefire Demand, Tensions Escalate in Gaza and Lebanon
Hamas militant group in Gaza has requested a ceasefire agreement to end the ongoing conflict with Israel, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected their demand. Netanyahu stated that Israel cannot accept a situation where Hamas regains control of Gaza and rebuilds its military infrastructure, posing a threat to Israeli citizens. He firmly rejected the demand for Israeli forces’ withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that capitulating to Hamas would be a terrible defeat.
In response, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh expressed their eagerness to reach a comprehensive ceasefire that would end Israeli aggression and secure Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. However, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that Israel had detected signs that Hamas was not interested in a hostage deal, and the Israeli army would launch an offensive in southern Gaza in the near future.
French President Emmanuel Macron encouraged Netanyahu to continue negotiations with Hamas towards a truce in Gaza and the release of hostages. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in France for a state visit while Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for an attack in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese counterattack on Israel marked one of Lebanon’s largest barrages during the conflict. The Israeli army closed the main humanitarian aid crossing point to the Gaza Strip, Kerem Shalom, after it was targeted by rocket fire. The situation remains tense as ongoing conflicts and diplomatic efforts continue to reach a resolution.
