In a fresh twist to the Gaza conflict, Israel has publicly rejected Hamas' latest ceasefire proposal and signaled its troops are gearing up for a major operation to seize Gaza City. 😮
Hamas had floated a deal offering a comprehensive ceasefire: swap hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, pull Israeli forces out of Gaza, reopen crossings for humanitarian aid, and kickstart rebuilding efforts. They even proposed setting up a technocrat-led administration to manage Gaza's civil affairs. 📋🤝
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly dismissed the plan as 'spin,' insisting Israel will only pause fighting if Hamas fully demilitarizes, hands over security control of the Gaza Strip, establishes a non-Palestinian administration, and frees all the remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz said preparations are 'at full strength' for retaking Gaza City. 🔥🚀
On another front, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stirred controversy by suggesting maps are ready for annexing parts of the occupied West Bank. Palestinians slammed the idea, warning it derails any hope for a future state. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry even called on the international community to impose sanctions against what they called 'violent oppression and settlement expansion.' 🌍✊
With the UN General Assembly on the horizon and Europe eyeing recognition of a Palestinian state, all eyes are on whether Netanyahu will greenlight annexation plans when he meets his cabinet later this week. 🗺️👀
Stay tuned for updates as this high-stakes drama unfolds in the Middle East. 🌟
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Israel rejects Hamas' ceasefire deal, vows to seize Gaza City
cgtn.com
