Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reluctance to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza has sparked concerns, with political analyst, Marwan Bishara, suggesting that Netanyahu believes he is “winning the war” and sees no need to compromise.
According to Bishara, Netanyahu’s calculation is that Hamas is on the path to defeat, and with a perceived “green light” from Washington, he is unlikely to agree to a partial ceasefire except in “very, very exceptional circumstances”.
Bishara’s assessment highlights the complexities surrounding the ceasefire negotiations, with Netanyahu prioritizing Israel’s interests over Palestinian rights and lives.
“I think Netanyahu will do what Netanyahu wants to do for his government and for what he sees as Israel’s best interest. Palestinian rights and Palestinian lives don’t matter,” Bishara said.
This stance has significant implications for the future of Gaza and the prospects for a peaceful resolution.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the upcoming visit of six Arab leaders from prominent countries to the US, who aim to influence President Trump to push Netanyahu towards a ceasefire agreement. Bishara emphasized that the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance, and the international community’s response will be crucial in determining the outcome.
Netanyahu’s conditions for a ceasefire are reportedly centered around Israel’s security concerns, including the disarmament of Hamas and the release of all hostages.
However, Hamas’s refusal to disarm has led to a stalemate in negotiations. Netanyahu’s office has stated that Israel would agree to a one-time deal under its conditions to end the war, which include disarming Hamas, restoring Israeli security control over Gaza, and establishing a new governing body.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with the Ministry of Health in Gaza reporting a significant increase in casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis unfolding.
International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have expressed concerns over the situation, with Macron calling for an immediate ceasefire and Albanese describing Israel’s policy of starving Palestinians in Gaza as a “war crime”.
As the situation continues to unfold, the role of international mediators and the US will be crucial in brokering a ceasefire agreement.
The proposed ceasefire plan includes a temporary truce lasting 60 days, during which negotiations would take place on the terms to end the war, including the disarmament of Hamas and the evacuation of its remaining leaders in the Strip.