Israel rejects Gaza ceasefire and threatens Rafa invasion after Hamas demands

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a proposed ceasefire deal with Gaza (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a proposed ceasefire deal with Gaza, stating that it would leave Hamas in control and pose a threat to Israel.

The proposal was discussed as officials resumed talks in Egypt, aiming to negotiate a pause in Israel's offensive in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages.

However, the main point of contention appears to be whether this deal would be temporary or permanent.

Hamas is also demanding the release of several Palestinian prisoners. Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, insists that any agreement must include an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war.

In response, Mr Netanyahu stated: "Israel will not agree to Hamas' demands. We are not ready to accept a situation in which Hamas battalions come out of their bunkers, take control of Gaza again, rebuild their military infrastructure, and return to threatening the citizens of Israel."

Over the weekend, tens of thousands of Israelis rallied late into the night, calling for a deal to free hostages. Protesters in Tel Aviv chanted "war is not holy, life is", accusing Mr Netanyahu of seeking to extend the conflict, reports the Mirror.

A view of collapsed buildings as the Palestinians return back to their homes after the Israeli army withdrew from the region (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Yesterday, Hamas militants attacked Israel's primary aid delivery point into Gaza, the Kerem Shalom crossing, injuring several Israelis and prompting its closure.

Meanwhile, Israel has declared a ban on the Al Jazeera satellite channel within its borders. Prime Minister Netanyahu is under intense pressure from his far-right coalition partners to launch a ground offensive in Rafah, home to 1.4 million inhabitants.

Out of the 252 Israelis abducted by Hamas on October 7, there are still 128 individuals missing, with 34 presumed deceased. The UN's World Food Programme has reported that northern Gaza is now facing a "full-blown famine".