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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested a two-month halt to the military offensive in Gaza, according to reports from Axios.
The proposal, conveyed to Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries, comes on the heels of heightened tensions and a rejection of a prior deal offered by the militant group.
The proposed multi-phase agreement outlined by Israel includes the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, a move seen as a response to mounting domestic pressure on Netanyahu to bring captives home.
The Israeli leader, facing criticism at home, argued that accepting Hamas’ conditions would leave the armed group “intact” and declared that Israeli soldiers would not have “fallen in vain.” Netanyahu stated on Sunday, “I reject outright the terms of surrender of the monsters of Hamas.”
One of the key sticking points in the negotiations is Netanyahu’s steadfast opposition to an independent Palestinian state. He remains unwavering in his insistence on “full Israeli security control over the entire area in the west of Jordan.”
This stance adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing peace talks.
The proposed pause follows a brief truce brokered in late November by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. As part of that agreement, Hamas released over 100 captives in exchange for the freedom of 240 Palestinian prisoners.
However, tensions persist as Hamas continues to hold 136 individuals in captivity, according to Israeli officials.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with hopes that diplomatic efforts will yield a lasting solution to the protracted conflict.
The situation remains fluid, and the outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the stability of the region.
As both sides weigh their options, the world watches with bated breath, awaiting a resolution that could bring an end to the violence that has plagued the Gaza Strip for far too long.
The proposed two-month pause provides a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, but the road to a comprehensive agreement remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members