Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Ceasefire Despite Hostage Release Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated that Israel will not agree to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, even if Hamas releases more hostages, emphasizing that any ceasefire would be temporary and intended only to facilitate hostage retrieval before resuming military operations to destroy Hamas. This stance complicates ongoing ceasefire negotiations, despite the recent release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, which U.S. President Donald Trump hoped would advance peace efforts. Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel’s campaign will continue with full force until Hamas is defeated, rejecting demands for a lasting ceasefire or prisoner exchanges without Hamas disarming. Hamas has conditioned the release of remaining hostages on a permanent ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The conflict has resulted in massive casualties, with over 52,800 Palestinians and hundreds of Israelis killed since the 2023 war began. These developments reveal a growing divide between Netanyahu's hardline approach and international diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. and regional mediators like Qatar and Egypt.