Netanyahu casts doubt on latest Gaza ceasefire plan

Israeli prime minister vows to continue war until 'Hamas is destroyed' as Joe Biden urges right-wing leader to accept deal

- NAMITA SINGH

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted there will be no permanent ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed – undermining Joe Biden’s announcement of a new ceasefire proposal.

His comments came in the wake of a dramatic intervention by the US president in laying out the proposal for a three-phase deal to bring about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Hamas releasing hostages. The families of Israeli hostages called for all parties to immediately accept the proposal.

“Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: The destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel,” Mr Netanyahu said.

“Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put in place. The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter,” he added.

Benny Gantz, a centrist former general who joined Mr Netanyahu in an emergency coalition, has threatened to bolt this week if the prime minister does not form a Gaza “day-after” plan with him.

But in a possible sign that that could be deferred, Mr Gantz yesterday voiced appreciation for Mr Biden and called for the Israeli war cabinet to be convened “to decide the next steps”.

Israel’s war in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October, during which around 1,100 people were killed and another 250 were taken into Gaza as hostages. More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in the subsequent Israeli bombardment, according to health officials in the Hamas-run territory.