TEL AVIV, Israel. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has stated that a temporary ceasefire with Hamas may be within reach, providing an opportunity for the release of hostages and a brief pause in hostilities. However, he stopped short of committing to a permanent end to the ongoing conflict, raising doubts about the feasibility of a lasting resolution.
Speaking to Tel Aviv reporters, Gallant emphasized that the current conditions could allow for a six-week ceasefire. This pause would likely lead to the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, a key demand by Israel. He remarked, “Israel should achieve an agreement that will bring about a pause for six weeks and bring back hostages,” but added that the country “maintains the right to operate and achieve our goals—including the destruction of Hamas” following this period.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have been underway for months, led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. However, a major sticking point has been Hamas’ insistence on ending the nearly year-long war and withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has added complexity to the negotiations by stating that Israeli forces must remain stationed in a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt.
Gallant hinted at possible concessions, suggesting that Israel could temporarily pull out from the corridor to facilitate the release of hostages. He was quoted saying that the temporary withdrawal would be for six weeks, but tensions between him and Netanyahu have surfaced, reportedly leading to a heated exchange at a recent Cabinet meeting.
Despite Gallant’s optimism about a truce, he remained skeptical about a permanent peace. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to its “war goals,” which include dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and ensuring that the group can no longer pose a threat to Israel.
“We will leave no stone unturned in this pursuit of justice,” Gallant stressed. He also suggested that a temporary ceasefire could help ease tensions on Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah, which has been engaged in intermittent cross-border fire since Hamas’ initial attack on Israel in October. Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced from both sides of the volatile border region.
The U.S.-led ceasefire proposal involves a three-phase plan. The first phase would last six weeks, during which hostages would be freed in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from Palestinian population centers and the release of Palestinian prisoners. This pause would also deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip. White House national security spokesman John Kirby recently pointed to Hamas’ demands as the “main obstacle” to reaching a deal, a claim that the militant group has rejected.
Despite the challenges, international mediators remain hopeful. U.S. President Joe Biden said he was “optimistic” about a potential agreement last week. However, Gallant warned that Hamas might not accept a partial deal involving only a brief cessation of violence.
At home, the Israeli government faces mounting domestic pressure to strike a deal, especially after six hostages were reportedly killed by Hamas militants earlier this month.
Gallant underscored the gravity of the situation, describing the current moment as a “strategic junction” for Israel. He affirmed Israel’s preparedness for all scenarios, whether they involve reaching an agreement or escalating the war further. “We are capable of defending ourselves and we can also retaliate if necessary,” Gallant declared. He also noted that Israel can “hit any strategic goal in Iran” if it becomes necessary.
As the conflict continues to ravage Gaza, leaving hundreds of thousands of people displaced and straining the territory’s health system, Gallant said that Israel is working closely with international aid organizations to prevent a polio outbreak and address other humanitarian concerns.
Gallant concluded by stressing the importance of humanitarian aid, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve medical care, deliver aid, and restore basic services such as water and energy to the besieged territory.
While hopes for a temporary truce may provide a glimmer of hope, the broader peace that both sides desperately need remains a distant goal.
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.
