(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – Rejecting an offer from Hamas of a structured cease-fire and release of hostages that would allegedly lead to the end of the war that Hamas started with its deadly attack on innocent Israeli citizens, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the destruction of Hamas until Israel reaches “absolute victory.”
Netanyahu shared his decision after a meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken who had been engaging with regional leaders to mediate a cease-fire. Despite Blinken’s efforts Netanyahu remained firm declaring that capitulating to Hamas’s demands would neither secure the freedom of captives nor prevent future attacks. “Surrendering to Hamas’s delusional demands that we heard now not only won’t lead to freeing the captives, it will just invite another massacre,” he stated during a news conference.
Blinken, speaking in Tel Aviv, still saw a possibility for a cease-fire agreement. He acknowledged flaws in Hamas’s proposal but believed it left room for negotiation.
“While there are some clear nonstarters in Hamas’ response, we do think it creates space for an agreement to be reached,” he mentioned, expressing concern over the impact of military actions on Gaza’s civilians.
The Israeli leader dismissed any deal leaving Hamas with control over Gaza, aiming instead for a decisive win. He anticipated the conflict might extend for months but rejected any compromise on Israel’s security. “We are on the way to an absolute victory,” Netanyahu affirmed, highlighting Israel’s role as a guarantor of safety for Gaza’s people.
Hamas’s cease-fire proposal, revealed in phases, was criticized for its imbalance, particularly demanding the release of prisoners, some of whom have committed serious crimes against Israelis. Despite this, Netanyahu had already voiced his stance against making concessions to Hamas, emphasizing the goal of a comprehensive victory that includes eliminating Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, and ensuring Gaza poses no future threat to Israel.
“We will not withdraw the IDF from the Gaza Strip and we will not release thousands of terrorists. None of this will happen. What will happen? Total victory!” he declared.
