Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Aug 13: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the prospect of a partial ceasefire deal with Hamas—one that includes phased hostage releases—is no longer on the table.
In a televised interview with Israeli broadcaster i24 on Tuesday, Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of striking a limited agreement, saying, “That chapter is behind us.” He reaffirmed his stance that any resolution to the ongoing conflict must be comprehensive and on Israel’s terms, involving Hamas's defeat and the return of all Israeli hostages in one final deal.
The Prime Minister pushed back against mounting criticism from political opponents and former military leaders who have accused him of stalling. “I’m not dragging my feet,” Netanyahu said. “The goal remains unchanged—total victory over Hamas and the return of our captives. Not in pieces. Not in stages.”
He also accused Hamas of deliberately misleading Israel during negotiations but did not provide further details.
This comes as Netanyahu announced plans to expand military operations deeper into southern Gaza, including areas that still remain outside Israeli control. These regions are currently home to the majority of Gaza’s nearly 2 million displaced residents, who are enduring rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
In a related development, the Israeli military revealed on Tuesday that it carried out a drone strike last week in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, targeting five alleged militants posing as aid workers.
According to the military, the individuals were armed and wearing high-visibility vests near a vehicle marked with the World Central Kitchen (WCK) logo. Drone footage reportedly showed the men standing beside the vehicle, but they were not seen engaging in any hostile action or pointing weapons. The military said the group used humanitarian markings to conceal their identities and avoid being targeted.
Israel’s Gaza District Coordination and Liaison Office claimed to have confirmed with WCK that the vehicle in question had no affiliation with the humanitarian organization. WCK, which has been operating in Gaza since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, has not yet issued a public statement on the incident.
Hamas also has not commented on the strike or Netanyahu’s latest remarks.