Netanyahu faces mounting pressure as calls for Gaza ceasefire intensify

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under increasing pressure to secure a ceasefire. The push comes not only from the international community but also from within Israel, where public outcry over the prolonged conflict and the fate of captives held by Hamas is reaching a fever pitch.

Over the weekend, Israeli forces recovered the bodies of six captives, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old American-Israeli. The discovery has fueled mass protests across Israel, with demonstrators demanding immediate action to bring the remaining captives home.

Despite the growing clamor for a ceasefire, Netanyahu remains resolute. On Monday, he emphasized that Israeli control of the Philadelphi Corridor—a narrow strip along Gaza’s border with Egypt—is non-negotiable. This area, according to Israel, is critical for preventing Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza. “This is the oxygen of Hamas,” Netanyahu stated, underscoring the importance of the corridor in any ceasefire agreement. He also reiterated his commitment to securing the release of the captives: “No one is more committed to freeing the hostages than me… No one will preach to me on this issue.”

However, Netanyahu’s stance is facing scrutiny from Israel’s key ally, the United States. President Joe Biden, addressing reporters at the White House on Monday, expressed concern over Netanyahu’s perceived lack of progress in the negotiations. “We’re very close to that,” Biden said, referring to a final proposal the US plans to present to both sides this week. When asked about the likelihood of success, Biden offered a cautiously optimistic response: “Hope springs eternal.” He also mentioned plans to speak with Netanyahu “eventually,” though he did not specify when.

Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri interpreted Biden’s comments as a clear indication of Netanyahu’s role in stalling negotiations. Abu Zuhri signaled Hamas’s willingness to consider a ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza if a suitable proposal is presented.

The situation in Israel is increasingly tense. On Monday, protesters took to the streets for the second consecutive day, and the largest trade union in the country initiated a general strike to press the government for a resolution. The conflict, which escalated dramatically on October 7 following a surprise attack by Hamas that left 1,139 Israelis dead and around 250 captured, has exacted a devastating toll. Israel’s response has resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the world watches to see whether Netanyahu will maintain his hardline stance or succumb to the mounting pressure for peace.