Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has withdrawn one of the major concessions in ceasefire negotiations with Palestinian militant group Hamas, according to CNN, citing unnamed sources. Netanyahu now wants any kind of ceasefire or hostage agreement with Hamas to bar armed individuals from returning to the northern part of Gaza. Previously, Israel had agreed to grant unrestricted access to the area, but Netanyahu now wishes to reverse this provision for any ceasefire arrangement with the group.
The new demand could jeopardize the negotiations, which have been dragging on for months without producing any results. This development comes as Israel conducted a major airstrike in southern Gaza, resulting in at least 70 deaths and nearly 300 injuries, according to local health authorities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it had targeted the top leadership of Hamas, including Mohammed Deif, the head of its military wing. However, the militant group disputes these claims, asserting that West Jerusalem is attempting to “cover up” its latest “horrific massacre.
The conflict in Gaza erupted following a October 7 attack launched by Hamas on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israeli citizens and the capture of over 200 hostages. West Jerusalem responded with ground operations and heavy bombardment of the enclave, leading to an estimated 38,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza Health Ministry estimates. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides continuing to engage in aggressive tactics and negotiations for a ceasefire stagnating amidst new demands from the Israeli PM.