Mon Dec 09 22:24:11 UTC 2024: ## Netanyahu Rejects Immediate Gaza Ceasefire Despite Renewed Peace Efforts

**Jerusalem, December 10, 2024** – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out an immediate end to the 14-month war in Gaza, despite renewed international efforts to broker a ceasefire. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Netanyahu stated that halting the conflict now would allow Hamas to regroup and launch further attacks. He reiterated Israel’s goal of completely eliminating Hamas’s military and administrative capabilities, a goal he claims is not yet achieved.

This statement comes amidst signs of a potential breakthrough in stalled negotiations. Qatar, a key mediator, reported new momentum following the recent US election of Donald Trump. Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar have all reportedly intensified efforts to secure a ceasefire, with a new round of talks potentially imminent. A source close to the Hamas delegation confirmed these efforts.

Netanyahu’s declaration contrasts with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s October 23rd assessment that Israel had significantly weakened Hamas and that it was time to focus on hostage release and a negotiated end to the war.

The conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a devastating loss of life. According to official data, over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, died in the initial attack, along with the kidnapping of 251 hostages, 96 of whom remain in Gaza. Israel’s subsequent retaliatory offensive has claimed the lives of at least 44,758 Palestinians, primarily civilians, according to the UN-verified figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.

Growing protests from relatives of the hostages continue to pressure Netanyahu to prioritize a deal for their release, accusing him of prolonging the conflict. The Prime Minister, however, linked the release of hostages to the ongoing military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah.

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