Netanyahu Changes Ceasefire Approach Post Trump's Lead

Nearly a week after Hamas accepted the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators, Israel has not responded yet. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he is beginning negotiations immediately to release all hostages and end the war.

Israel's new approach has surprised mediators and families of the remaining hostages. Netanyahu, who previously agreed to partial ceasefires, now demands a comprehensive agreement securing the release of all hostages and ending the war on Israel's terms. Simultaneously, plans for a military assault on Gaza City are being accelerated to "defeat Hamas."

Netanyahu instructed his team to start negotiations for the release of all hostages and ending the war in Gaza. However, he did not mention the current proposal on the table, which suggests a temporary ceasefire in exchange for releasing half of the hostages. The proposal is more favorable to Israel after Hamas showed flexibility on prisoner release and security perimeter size.

Israel attributes Hamas' concessions to the threat of an imminent Gaza City offensive. Israeli officials believe increased military pressure will make Hamas more flexible in accepting Israel's conditions to end the war. Hamas has expressed readiness to reach a ceasefire agreement responsibly and with an open mind.

The shift in Israel's negotiation strategy is believed to be influenced by the US. President Donald Trump has publicly supported Israel's actions in Gaza, aiming to destroy Hamas rather than pushing for a temporary ceasefire. Netanyahu's government approved expanding the operation in Gaza City, setting conditions for ending the war, including disarmament of Hamas and releasing all hostages.

Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners oppose any ceasefire or end to the war, fearing it could lead to the collapse of the government. The prime minister's actions have caused tensions with the families of the remaining hostages in Gaza, who accuse the government of sacrificing their loved ones. Netanyahu's office plans to send a negotiation team once a location is set for talks.