Netanyahu Resists Cease-Fire in Gaza Amid Intensified Pressure and Protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday faced mounting pressure to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza following massive protests across Israel and growing demands from U.S. President Joe Biden. Despite nearly 11 months of intense conflict, Netanyahu remained resolute in his stance, particularly regarding control of the Philadelphi corridor, a key point of contention in ongoing negotiations.

Protests and Public Outcry

Sunday night saw one of the largest protests since the war began, as hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in grief and anger. The discovery of six more dead hostages fueled public outrage, with many blaming Netanyahu for missed opportunities to secure their release. The protests led to a rare general strike on Monday, with businesses, schools, and public services shutting down in solidarity with the protesters, though opinions among the public remained divided.

U.S. Pressure and Negotiations

The United States, a key ally of Israel, has shown increasing impatience with the ongoing conflict. Upon returning to the White House for a Situation Room meeting, President Biden expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s efforts, stating bluntly, “No,” when asked if the Israeli leader was doing enough. Despite this, Biden maintained that negotiators were “very close” to reaching a deal, adding, “Hope springs eternal.”

Hamas, on the other hand, has accused Israel of prolonging the negotiations by introducing new demands, including lasting control over the Philadelphi corridor. The group has offered to release all hostages in exchange for an end to the war, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu, however, has remained steadfast in his refusal to entirely withdraw from Gaza, instead proposing a phased approach that would include the release of some hostages and a partial troop pullout.

Internal Disagreements and Security Concerns

Reports from Israeli media suggest deep divisions within the government, particularly between Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Gallant has argued that the focus on controlling the Philadelphia corridor should not come at the expense of the hostages’ lives. A heated exchange between the two officials occurred during a security cabinet meeting last Thursday, with Gallant accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing the corridor over the hostages. Gallant was the only one to vote against Netanyahu’s proposal to maintain control over the corridor.

Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Tensions

As the conflict drags on, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, and the vast majority of the territory’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced. The besieged region is now facing a dire humanitarian crisis, including fears of a polio outbreak.

Meanwhile, Israel has also intensified its operations in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, where it has been conducting a six-day raid. The Israeli military claims to have killed 14 militants, arrested 25 others and dismantled explosives. However, Palestinian health officials report that at least 29 people, including five children, have been killed in the raid.

Conclusion

As the war in Gaza nears the end of its first year, the prospects for a cease-fire remain uncertain. Netanyahu’s unwavering stance on critical issues, internal disagreements, and international pressure have left the path forward fraught with challenges. The conflict’s toll on both Israelis and Palestinians continues to mount, with no clear resolution in sight.