Netanyahu asserts control amid Gaza truce tensions
- Hamas accused Netanyahu of obstructing Gaza truce negotiations, claiming Israel's demands are unreasonable.
- Netanyahu insists on maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor to prevent arms smuggling and argues for Gaza's demilitarization.
- The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis, complicating peace efforts.
On September 4, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to obstruct a potential truce in Gaza, claiming that negotiations have stalled due to Israel's demands. Netanyahu stated that Hamas has rejected all proposals, emphasizing the need for Israel to maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor to prevent arms smuggling. He argued that demilitarization of Gaza is essential and can only be achieved with Israeli oversight of the border area. Hamas, however, insists on a complete withdrawal from this zone, interpreting Netanyahu's stance as a tactic to derail peace talks. The ongoing conflict, which escalated after Hamas's attack on October 7, has led to significant casualties and destruction in Gaza. As of now, 97 hostages remain in Gaza, with ongoing discussions about potential exchanges for Palestinian prisoners. The U.S. State Department has indicated that there are possible solutions to the deadlock, while Qatar, a key mediator, criticized Israel's approach as misleading and detrimental to peace efforts. In the West Bank, Israeli military operations have intensified, resulting in over 30 Palestinian deaths since late August, including children and militants. The Israeli Defense Minister has called for the military to exert full force against Palestinian militants, further complicating the situation. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with infrastructure damage leading to disease outbreaks. Efforts are underway to vaccinate over 640,000 children against polio, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian pauses amid ongoing violence.