TEL AVIV, Israel. The viability of a U.S.-backed proposal aimed at winding down the eight-month-long war in Gaza has been thrown into doubt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that he would only accept a “partial” cease-fire deal, refusing to bring an end to the conflict. His comments have ignited controversy, particularly among families of hostages held by Hamas.
In an interview aired late Sunday on Israeli Channel 14, a conservative, pro-Netanyahu station, the Israeli leader stated, “We are prepared to make a partial deal—that’s no secret—that will secure the return of some of our people.” Netanyahu referred to the approximately 120 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. “However,” he emphasized, “we remain committed to continuing the war after a pause to achieve our ultimate goal: the elimination of Hamas. I am not willing to compromise on that.”
Netanyahu’s stance diverges significantly from the deal outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden last month. Biden framed the plan as an Israeli initiative, and it has been informally dubbed “Netanyahu’s deal” by some in Israel. The proposal involves a three-phased approach, with the release of remaining hostages contingent upon the release of hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
The latest developments further strain Israel’s relationship with the United States, its top ally. The U.S. has been actively pushing for the proposed cease-fire, but Netanyahu’s refusal to fully end the war complicates mediation efforts. Disputes and mistrust persist between the parties, leaving the path to peace uncertain.
: Original quotes translated from Hebrew. Source: Israeli Channel 14 interview, June 2024.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
