Netanyahu Affirms Cease-Fire Commitment with Conditions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly stated Israel's commitment to the US-backed cease-fire proposal for Gaza, as reported by *AP News* on June 13. However, he emphasized that this commitment is contingent on the complete destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities.

apnews.com reported, This declaration comes amidst escalating international pressure for a resolution to the protracted conflict. The proposal, unveiled by US President Joe Biden on May 31, outlines a three-phase plan aimed at ending hostilities and securing the release of hostages, according to *The New York Times*.

Netanyahu's conditions underscore a fundamental divergence from aspects of the US plan, which envisions a permanent end to hostilities in its second phase. He reiterated in a June 11 interview with Channel 14, as cited by *The Jerusalem Post*, that the war would not conclude until Hamas is eliminated.

apnews.com noted, The US-backed proposal calls for an initial six-week cease-fire, including an Israeli withdrawal from populated areas and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Subsequent phases would involve a permanent cessation of fighting and major reconstruction efforts in Gaza, *CNN* reported.

International bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, have endorsed the US plan, urging both Israel and Hamas to accept it. *UN News* confirmed that Resolution 2735, passed on June 10, explicitly supports the proposal and calls for its full implementation without delay.

apnews.com reported, Hamas initially welcomed the proposal but later submitted amendments, seeking clearer guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, *Al Jazeera* reported. These counter-demands highlight the significant gaps remaining between the warring parties.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively engaged in regional diplomacy, pressing for acceptance of the deal. He stated, according to *The Associated Press*, that the current proposal is "virtually identical" to what Hamas had previously requested, urging them to agree.

• Background of the US Proposal: The US-backed cease-fire proposal, publicly outlined by President Joe Biden on May 31, is structured in three distinct phases. Phase one involves a six-week cease-fire, a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza's populated areas, and the exchange of some Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Phase two aims for a permanent end to hostilities and the release of all remaining live hostages, while phase three focuses on a major reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of deceased hostages' remains, as detailed by *The White House*.
• Israel's Internal Political Dynamics: Prime Minister Netanyahu faces significant domestic pressure from his far-right coalition partners, particularly National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. These figures have explicitly threatened to collapse the government if the war concludes without the complete destruction of Hamas, as widely reported by *Haaretz*. This political reality severely constrains Netanyahu's flexibility in accepting a permanent cease-fire that might be perceived as leaving Hamas intact.
• Hamas's Demands and Counter-Proposals: While Hamas initially expressed a positive stance towards the US proposal, it subsequently submitted amendments to mediators. *Reuters* indicated that these amendments primarily focused on securing explicit guarantees for a permanent cease-fire and a full, unconditional Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Hamas also sought assurances from international mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, regarding the implementation of these terms, underscoring their distrust.
• Role of International Mediators and UN Resolution: Egypt and Qatar have played crucial roles as primary mediators in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Their efforts have been central to past cease-fire attempts and hostage release deals. Furthermore, the UN Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2735 on June 10, which endorsed the US-backed proposal, significantly amplified international pressure on both parties to accept the terms, according to *UN News*.
• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: The ongoing conflict has precipitated a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 80% of the population displaced and widespread food insecurity, as documented by *Oxfam*. The dire conditions, including a severe lack of medical supplies, clean water, and shelter, intensify the urgency for a cease-fire. This humanitarian imperative is a constant backdrop to all diplomatic efforts, influencing international calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
• US Diplomatic Efforts and Challenges: Secretary of State Antony Blinken has undertaken multiple diplomatic missions to the Middle East, engaging with regional leaders to push for the acceptance of the cease-fire deal. *The Wall Street Journal* reported that the US has been working to bridge the significant gaps between Israel's and Hamas's positions, emphasizing that the current proposal is the best path forward. However, the conflicting demands from both sides present substantial challenges to US mediation efforts.
• Historical Context of Cease-fire Failures: The current negotiations are set against a history of failed cease-fire attempts and deep-seated mistrust between Israel and Hamas. Previous agreements have often collapsed, leading to renewed violence. This historical context makes both sides wary of commitments, with each seeking ironclad guarantees that the other will adhere to the terms, as noted by political analysts speaking to *The Guardian*.
• Potential Future Scenarios: The path forward remains uncertain. Should the current proposal fail, the conflict could escalate further, potentially expanding regionally. If a deal is reached, its implementation would face significant hurdles, including monitoring compliance and addressing the complex issues of Gaza's post-war governance and reconstruction. *The Brookings Institution* suggests that sustained international engagement will be critical for any lasting peace.