Netanyahu Calls Biden’s Gaza Ceasefire Proposal a “Nonstarter”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dubbed Joe Biden’s calls for a ceasefire in Gaza a “nonstarter” as he faces unrest at home. The US president made an unusual address on Friday, outlining three steps in an Israeli proposal to end the fighting in the war-torn strip.
Unrest at Home for Netanyahu
But Netanyahu’s office yesterday said they do not completely agree with the US leader’s interpretation. The PM hit back that any deal on the table is a “nonstarter” if Israel’s conditions for ending the war are not met – including the total annihilation of Hamas.
Turmoil in Government
Meanwhile, the Israeli leader faces turmoil in government from far-right politicians who have pushed a harder stance in Gaza for almost eight months. Biden’s unexpected The White House announcement of the ceasefire proposal sparked backlash from the same ministers, who threatened to bring down Netanyahu’s regime.
Citizen Protests in Israel
Ben-Gvir, national security minister, said last night that his own party would rather “dissolve the government” than accept “a victory to terrorism.” And Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, said he would “not be part of a government that will agree to the proposed outline.” Netanyahu’s own citizens have also risen up in protest with mass marches in Tel Aviv to lobby for the hostages’ return.
Ceasefire Proposal Rejection
Following Biden’s statement, Netanyahu confirmed a proposal had been put forward by Israel – but said it would “enable Israel to continue the war until all its objectives are achieved.” This, he warned, would include “the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities.”
Opposition to Ceasefire Deal
Sources from the prime minister’s office told Sky that they do not “wholly recognise or agree with” the deal laid out by Biden last week. Chief Israeli foreign policy adviser Ophir Falk told The Times that Biden had made “a political speech for whatever reasons.” He said: “There are a lot of details to be worked out and that includes there will not be a permanent ceasefire until all our objectives are met.”
Biden’s Ceasefire Proposal Details
Biden’s speech comes at an all-time high for global tension and criticism surrounding the fighting in Gaza. Israel took control of the Rafah border crossing three weeks ago, marking a new escalation as they vowed to invade the refugee area to weed out Hamas.
Tragic Incidents
On May 26, an Israeli airstrike hit Tel al Sultan – an area where Gazans had been told it was safe to shelter and were living in tents. Netanyahu’s government faced swift and fierce criticism for the lethal blow, which sparked a huge blaze in the refugee camp.
Casualty Statistics
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has said at least 36,379 people have been killed in the Strip so far – including 95 in the last 24 hours. Israel said over 1,200 citizens were killed during Hamas’ October 7 massacre, and claim nearly 300 soldiers have died in the Strip.