Update(1450ET): Statements currently coming out of both sides strongly suggest the much anticipated Israel-Hamas truce is simply not going to happen. This despite a series of ambiguous statements out of Qatar over the last week of 'positive' developments. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has on Wednesday called Hamas' demands "delusional" (see below for Hamas' said list of truce terms). This is according to Axios:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that caving to Hamas' "delusional" ceasefire demands won't lead to the release of the hostages still being held in Gaza, but instead to another attack like the one the militant group committed on Oct. 7.
It was the first time Netanyahu commented on Hamas' response to a recent hostage deal proposal since it was given to Israel on Tuesday. While dismissing Hamas' demands, Netanyahu didn't close the door to negotiations, however.
Netanyahu has reportedly also told visiting US Secretary of State Blinken of Hamas' "crazy" conditions that "The continuation of military pressure is a basic condition for the release of the hostages." He is vowing to not stop the military campaign until "total victory" is achieved and that this would happen "within months." Netanyahu emphasized, "We won’t settle for less."
Additionally, according to Israel's Channel 12, Netanyahu told Blinken that he cannot end the war without fully eliminating Hamas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Thus not only is there no ceasefire deal on the horizon, but the war looks to actually expand.
BREAKING: Israeli MoD Gallant told Blinken that Hamas’ negative response to the hostage deal proposal will push Israel to expand its ground operation in Gaza soon, a senior Israeli official said.
Hamas has in response said it's ready for any option and has accused Israel of pursuing the "genocide" of Palestinians.
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