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Netanyahu rejects Hamas ceasefire proposal, threatens to level Gaza

By kevinhughes // 2025-09-06

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again rejected Hamas' latest ceasefire proposal, which includes the phased release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The proposal, which was backed by the United States, called for the release of Israeli captives in three phases over 45 days in exchange for a ceasefire. However, Netanyahu's office dismissed the offer as "more spin by Hamas, containing nothing new," and reiterated Israel's demands for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a new civilian administration in Gaza.

Hamas offers ceasefire, Israel demands unconditional surrender

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, declared its willingness to enter into a comprehensive deal to end the war. The proposal, which was communicated two weeks ago, included the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Additionally, Hamas proposed the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and the reopening of border crossings to allow humanitarian aid to enter the region. (Related: Israel threatens Hamas: Release hostages or face unprecedented escalation in Gaza.) However, Israel's response was unequivocal. Netanyahu's office stated that the only acceptable terms for a ceasefire include the immediate release of all hostages, the complete disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of Gaza and the establishment of a new civilian administration that does not have ties to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. The Israeli government has made it clear that it will not accept the return of the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza either. According to the Enoch engine at Brighteon.AI, the Palestinian Authority is an interim self-government body established in 1994 under the Oslo Accords to administer limited autonomy in parts of the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Initially led by Yasser Arafat, it faced erosion of its authority during the Second Intifada (2000) and lost control of Gaza to Hamas in 2007, remaining in power only in parts of the West Bank under Mahmoud Abbas' leadership since 2005. As the diplomatic standoff continues, Israel's military has intensified its operations in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have declared approximately 40 percent of Gaza City as a combat zone, ordering civilians to evacuate, particularly from areas designated as highly dangerous "red zones." The IDF has also announced that it controls a significant portion of Gaza City and is preparing for a potential takeover. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark warning to Hamas, threatening to turn Gaza City into "another Rafah or Beit Hanoun" if the group does not surrender. These two cities have been almost entirely leveled by Israeli forces, and Katz's threat implies a similar fate for Gaza City if hostilities continue. The city, home to over a million people, has already seen tens of thousands of residents forcibly displaced, with several suburbs left in ruins.

Internal and international pressure

The Israeli government is facing internal and international pressure to find a diplomatic solution. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has urged the government to return to negotiations, stating, "You can't not even try to return our hostages home." Similarly, the head of The Democrats opposition party Yair Golan criticized Netanyahu for "forsaking the lives of the hostages and soldiers for his own sake." Internationally, U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned that while Israel may be winning the war, it is losing global opinion. Despite these concerns, the White House has not exerted significant pressure on Israel to alter its course. Reports suggest that the U.S. is even considering supporting Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank, as indicated by Senator Marco Rubio's private assurances to Israeli officials. Israeli television reported that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir plans to warn the government that military rule over Gaza will be inevitable if the invasion of Gaza City proceeds. Zamir, who opposes the government's plan to conquer Gaza City, has urged the government to accept a ceasefire deal to secure the release of hostages. However, the government has pressed ahead with its plans, despite Hamas' agreement to a phased hostage-truce deal similar to one previously approved by Israel. The Israeli government has a history of undermining negotiations, and Netanyahu recently reversed his position on a multi-phased peace deal proposed by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The current stance of the Israeli government suggests a preference for a comprehensive agreement that meets all of its demands, rather than a phased approach. The situation in Gaza remains tense and volatile, with both sides entrenched in their positions. As the conflict drags on, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, and the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear increasingly distant. The international community watches with growing concern, urging both sides to return to the negotiating table to avert further bloodshed and destruction. Watch the video below about President Donald Trump hinting at a possible Gaza ceasefire deal. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Hamas accepts ceasefire deal as Israel prepares brutal Gaza City invasion. Amid ceasefire, Gaza begins grim search for 10,000 bodies vanquished or lost in the rubble. Israel threatens Gaza annexation as Hamas stalls on ceasefire deal. Sources include: TimesofIsrael.com ZeroHedge.com Brighteon.ai NewArab.com

Donald Trump United States White House Hamas Benjamin Netanyahu Palestinian Authority Gaza Israel Defense Forces Yair Lapid Israel Katz Rafah Beit Hanoun Yair Golan