Netanyahu Insists on Eliminating Hamas After Israel Offers Gaza Peace Plan

Netanyahu Insists on Eliminating Hamas After Israel Offers Gaza Peace Plan

Introduction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the Gaza war will not conclude until Hamas is fully dismantled. This statement comes in response to a new peace proposal suggested by the United States, as announced by President Joe Biden.

Netanyahu's Stance on the Conflict

Netanyahu emphasized that the war’s objectives include not only the return of hostages but also the complete eradication of Hamas’s ability to govern and wage war. His office issued a statement confirming his position:

"The prime minister authorized the negotiating team to present an outline for achieving the return of hostages while insisting that the war will not end until all of its goals are achieved, including the elimination of Hamas' military and governmental capabilities."

The Proposed Peace Plan

Initial Phase

In his address, President Biden outlined the peace proposal, which begins with a six-week phase. This phase involves the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza. Biden stressed the urgency of seizing this opportunity for peace, stating:

"It's time for this war to end, for the day after to begin. We can't lose this moment to seize the chance for peace."

The Catalyst for the Conflict

The Gaza war was ignited by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which led to the deaths of 1,189 people, primarily civilians. This attack also resulted in militants taking 252 hostages, with 121 still in Gaza, including 37 who are confirmed dead by the army.

Impact of the Conflict

The Israeli retaliatory offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,284 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry of the Hamas-controlled territory.

Conclusion

Netanyahu's firm stance on the elimination of Hamas as a governing and military force underscores the complexities and challenges of achieving a lasting peace in the region. The proposed peace plan by the United States marks a significant step, but its success hinges on addressing the deep-rooted issues and achieving the set objectives.