Worthy Christian News > Israel-Palestinian Conflict > Ceasefire Unlikely As Hamas Refuses To Accept Demilitarization of Gaza

Ceasefire Unlikely As Hamas Refuses To Accept Demilitarization of Gaza

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The United States has introduced a “bridging proposal” aimed at finalizing a deal for the release of hostages in Gaza and establishing a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave. However, Hamas has rejected the Biden Administration’s proposal, claiming it does not guarantee a permanent ceasefire and fails to require a complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza, according to the terrorist organization.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel retain control of the Philadelphi Corridor, the narrow strip of land along the Egypt-Gaza border, to prevent Hamas from rearming. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have destroyed numerous tunnels in this area that were used by the terrorist organization to smuggle arms and munitions for its attacks against Israel.

Another major point of contention in the negotiations is the prevention of an armed Hamas presence in northern Gaza. The IDF has established the “Netzarim” corridor, effectively dividing the Gaza Strip into two sections, North and South.

Over the past few months, Israel has adopted a strategy in Gaza of clearing areas of Hamas forces and then withdrawing. The IDF uses the corridors to swiftly deploy forces into different parts of Gaza, ensuring that troops never remain in any one area for more than a few weeks. By maintaining control over the two corridors across Gaza, Israel is able to monitor both northern and southern Gaza effectively.

However, Hamas has made it clear that they will not agree to a ceasefire without the complete withdrawal of IDF troops.

The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that Israel has not abandoned one of its core demands: the need to continue its battle against Hamas in Gaza until the terrorist organization is completely ousted from the enclave—a goal that remains unmet ten months into the conflict.

Nevertheless, U.S. President Biden remained optimistic, telling reporters after a weekend at his Camp David retreat that negotiations are ongoing and that “we’re not giving up,” adding that reaching an agreement is “still possible.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday night, as the Biden administration intensified its diplomatic efforts to finalize an agreement this week.