"Ceasefire Pressure to Intensify Within 2-3 Weeks"
Conflict Between the U.S. and Gaza Strip Control Authority
Israel's Foreign Minister has revealed that international pressure for a ceasefire on Israel, which is engaged in conflict with the Palestinian armed group Hamas, is gradually increasing. However, the Israeli government has taken a hardline stance, stating that it cannot stop the fighting until hostages are released, deepening conflicts with the United States and other Western countries. There are also concerns that diplomatic friction will intensify in the future as Israel and the West have yet to find common ground on post-conflict issues.
According to the Times of Israel on the 13th (local time), Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said at a press briefing that "diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire on Israel is gradually increasing and will continue to intensify over the next two to three weeks," adding, "Some diplomatic partners have proposed a ceasefire in unofficial talks. They are secretly requesting a ceasefire."
However, Minister Cohen drew a line, saying that the war will not stop until Hamas is eliminated and the hostages are rescued. He stated, "We will not halt military operations until Hamas is eliminated and the hostages are returned," emphasizing, "The whole world accepts Israel's position that it will not stop until all hostages are released."
Although the United States and the West have repeatedly requested a ceasefire or truce, Israel has shown little willingness to relent in its determination to continue the war. On the 12th, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized in an interview with CNN that a humanitarian temporary ceasefire "is not a pause. If you are asking to stop the fighting, that is exactly what Hamas wants," and reiterated, "We will not agree to a ceasefire across the Gaza Strip until all hostages are released."
As diplomatic discord continues between Israel, the United States, and the West, there are concerns that conflicts over post-conflict issues between Israel and the West will persist after the Hamas eradication operation concludes.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced that it has taken control of most areas of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, the central city of the Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Gallant said at a briefing that "there is no force left in the Gaza Strip that can stop the Israeli military. Our forces have advanced everywhere in the Gaza Strip," emphasizing, "The terrorists are fleeing south, and civilians are looting Hamas bases. They no longer trust the (Hamas) government."
He continued, "Recently, we have intensified attacks targeting Hamas tunnels. As a result, the terrorists will either come out of the tunnels and be eliminated or surrender unconditionally. There is no third option," and strongly declared the determination of the Hamas eradication operation, saying, "We do not have a stopwatch. We have a goal, and we will definitely achieve that goal."
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