JERUSALEM, June 10 (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Monday that Hamas had rejected a hostage deal proposal over the weekend, accusing the militant group of making "unacceptable demands" that would leave Israel vulnerable to future attacks.
Key Developments:
- Hamas rejected offer for partial hostage release, demanding full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and war's end
- Netanyahu vows to continue fighting until Hamas is destroyed, all hostages freed, and Gaza no longer threatens Israel
- PM warns ceasefire under Hamas terms would "reward terrorism," endanger Israel and global security
Netanyahu's Stance:
In a recorded address, the prime minister framed the conflict as existential: "Capitulating to Hamas' demands would signal that kidnapping Israelis can defeat our nation," he said, referencing the group's October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people.
The proposed deal would have secured:
✓ Release of ~50 living hostages
✓ Return of numerous slain captives
In exchange for:
✗ Full Israeli military withdrawal
✗ Hamas remaining in power
✗ Massive Gaza reconstruction funds
Strategic Concerns:
Netanyahu argued accepting these terms would:
- Allow Hamas to rearm
- Undermine President Trump's Gaza security vision
- Encourage attacks against Israel globally
Political Context:
The remarks come amid:
- Growing domestic pressure to prioritize hostage returns
- Recent military successes (Rafah operation, Philadelphi Corridor control)
- Escalating tensions with Hezbollah and Iran
Closing Ultimatum:
"We will not end this 'war of rebirth' until three conditions are met," Netanyahu stated, listing Hamas' destruction, all hostages' return, and Gaza's demilitarization. He dismissed critics advocating negotiation as "echoing Hamas propaganda."
What's Next:
With talks stalled, Israel appears poised to:
- Continue Rafah operations
- Maintain pressure on Hamas leadership
- Prepare for potential northern conflict escalation
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