Netanyahu: Gaza Conflict in ‘Decisive Phase,’ No Surrender to Hamas Demands

Jerusalem, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Saturday, April 19, 2025, that the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza has entered a “decisive phase,” emphasizing his determination to secure the release of Israeli hostages without yielding to the Palestinian group’s demands. The statement comes days after Hamas rejected an Israeli truce proposal, intensifying the deadlock in peace negotiations.

Netanyahu Rejects Hamas ‘Diktats’

In a pre-recorded televised address, Netanyahu expressed confidence in retrieving the hostages, stating, “I believe we can bring our hostages home without surrendering to the diktats of Hamas.” He framed the conflict as a critical juncture, requiring “patience and determination,” and vowed not to concede to Hamas, whom he accused of committing “the greatest massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust.” This marks Netanyahu’s first official response since Hamas dismissed Israel’s truce offer on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Hamas Rejects Partial Truce, Demands Full Withdrawal

Hamas rejected Israel’s proposal for a temporary ceasefire, which included the release of half the remaining living hostages and the remains of deceased ones, as reported by BBC. The group opposes any “partial” agreement, insisting on a comprehensive deal that ends the war, ensures a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and excludes disarmament—a key Israeli demand. A senior Palestinian official noted that Israel’s proposal lacked commitment to ending the conflict, prompting Hamas’s outright rejection.

Netanyahu Warns Against Capitulation

Netanyahu warned that agreeing to Hamas’s terms would signal weakness, stating, “Ending the war under these conditions of capitulation would send a message to all of Israel’s enemies: abducting Israelis can bring Israel to its knees. It would prove that terrorism pays.” He further argued that a promise to halt fighting would prevent Israel from resuming operations in Gaza, questioning, “Have our soldiers fallen for nothing?” His stance reflects a broader strategy to dismantle Hamas’s control in Gaza, a goal he reiterated in his address.

Hostage Families Demand Negotiated Solution

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a leading advocacy group for the release of Israeli captives, responded by renewing calls for a negotiated solution, even if it means ending hostilities. The Forum accused Netanyahu of lacking a clear plan to secure the hostages’ release, advocating for a ceasefire as the only viable path forward. This position contrasts sharply with Netanyahu’s insistence on continuing the fight, highlighting the growing domestic pressure on the Israeli government to prioritize the hostages’ safe return.

Context of the Ongoing Conflict

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’s attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza. Hamas currently holds over 100 hostages, with negotiations repeatedly stalling over core issues like Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas’s disarmament. The rejected truce proposal follows months of failed mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar, with both sides entrenched in their positions. Netanyahu’s latest comments underscore the challenges of achieving a resolution as the conflict drags on into its second year.

Regional and International Implications

The ongoing deadlock has drawn international concern, with the UN and other bodies urging de-escalation. The rejection of the truce has also fueled debates on social media platforms like X, where users express frustration over the lack of progress in peace talks. As the conflict enters what Netanyahu calls a “decisive phase,” the international community watches closely, wary of further escalation in an already volatile region.

Stay tuned for updates on the Gaza conflict and Middle East peace efforts.