‘Back down!’ Israeli cabinet won’t meet over ceasefire – Netanyahu dares Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his cabinet would not meet to approve the proposed Gaza ceasefire agreement, citing unresolved issues with Hamas.

Netanyahu accused Hamas of creating a “last-minute crisis,” stating that the group had backtracked on key parts of the agreement in an effort “to extort last-minute concessions,” according to a statement from his office.

The Israeli Cabinet had been expected to ratify the deal, which reportedly includes provisions for a temporary cessation of hostilities and prisoner exchanges.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry welcomed the ceasefire proposal and urged its immediate implementation. The ministry emphasized the importance of ending Israel’s occupation and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state as part of the two-state solution.

“Peace in Palestine cannot be achieved without the end of Israel’s occupation and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, in accordance with the two-state solution based on agreed international parameters,”

the ministry said.

Background on the Dispute Over Jerusalem
Jerusalem remains a focal point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel considers the entire city its undivided capital, a position it has maintained since occupying East Jerusalem in 1967. Palestinians, however, claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state.

Holy sites within the city, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound (Haram al-Sharif to Muslims, Temple Mount to Jews), are central to the conflict and frequently spark tensions.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, has endured decades of conflict, blockades, and humanitarian crises. Following a devastating 15-month war that began in October 2023, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The conflict began with a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the taking of hostages. Israel launched a large-scale military offensive in response, causing extensive destruction in Gaza, which has been described as uninhabitable by international observers.

The Path Forward
The proposed ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and Qatar, has raised hopes for an end to hostilities. It reportedly includes provisions for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but significant challenges remain in its implementation.

The international community continues to call for a sustainable resolution to the conflict. However, deep divisions over the status of Jerusalem, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace.