Despite growing alienation from the populace, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to assert his stance. He maintained that a show of vulnerability wouldn’t aid in the rescue efforts of the 97 remaining hostages in Gaza, as he addressed the massive protests urging for a temporary ceasefire arrangement with his leadership. The general strike coordinated by labour unions added more substance to this call.
Public discontent surged subsequent to the retrieval of six hostage corpses from a Rafah tunnel over the past weekend. This incident highlighted profound divisions within the Israeli society pertaining to war strategies. The Israeli government alleges that the individuals were executed shortly before the potential rescue. Nonetheless, a substantial number of the prime minister’s compatriots hold him accountable for squandering a ceasefire opportunity.
The sticking point in the ongoing negotiations arbitrated internationally centres on Israel’s resolve to retain control of the Gazan side of the border with Egypt, known as the “Philadelphi Corridor”. Netanyahu cites it as “Hamas’s lifeline”, backed by his hawkish cabinet’s attitudes. His Cabinet insists on this requirement, as a late addition to the convoluted deal proposed by US President Joe Biden and seemingly acceptable to both Israel and Hamas.
Israel’s top security advisors back the idea of ceding the Philadelphi Corridor as a reasonable concession if it would ensure the hostages’ release. Nevertheless, Netanyahu’s government staunchly believes that a temporary ceasefire wouldn’t be satisfactory unless a powerful blow is struck against Hamas’s operational capabilities. Some critics counter saying that this goal is farfetched. “We’re dismantling Hamas,” asserts Netanyahu, “yet it is essential to deprive them of their governing capacity” in Gaza.
However, a temporary ceasefire, presuming a subsequent Israeli retreat from Gaza, would merely set the stage for lasting peace negotiations. Topics like territorial status and future administration would then be reviewed, with Israel claiming, whether the global community agrees or not, the prerogative to repatriate the territory and commence military operations again. An immediate ceasefire is deemed the only resolution to halt the violence, albeit briefly, and secure the release of hostages.