Netanyahu Faces Pressure Over Gaza Ceasefire

Mass protests erupted in Israel following the recovery of six hostages killed in Gaza, with hundreds of thousands demanding a ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, remains firm on his conditions, insisting on maintaining Israeli troop presence along the contentious Philadelphi Corridor, which Hamas has declared a nonstarter for truce negotiations. Amid growing pressure from both the public and international allies, including a pointed critique from President Biden, Netanyahu's government appears to be stalling negotiations by introducing new demands. An Israeli minister noted that Netanyahu is likely to only negotiate seriously when public unrest escalates further. Analysts suggest that Netanyahu's fear of losing political support from hard-right coalition partners is impeding a potential ceasefire. As tensions escalate, the U.S. continues to push for a resolution to the conflict.