Netanyahu Warns of Renewed War if Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Terms

Following his visit to Washington, Prime Minister Netanyahu Warns of Renewed War if Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Terms. In a high-stakes declaration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel will resume military operations in Gaza if the current ceasefire talks with Hamas fail to meet Israel’s non-negotiable conditions: the disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the safe return of Israeli hostages.

As mediators in Doha work to finalize a proposed 60-day ceasefire, Netanyahu emphasized that while Israel prefers diplomacy, it is prepared to resort to force to achieve its objectives. The comments mark a crucial moment in the 21-month-long conflict, which began with the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel.

Netanyahu Warns of Renewed War if Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Terms

Netanyahu: Ceasefire Conditional on Hamas Surrender

In a televised address from Washington, Netanyahu made clear that the proposed temporary ceasefire is only a stepping stone toward a permanent end to the conflict if, and only if, Hamas meets Israel’s conditions.

“If this can be achieved in negotiations so much the better,” Netanyahu said. “If not, we will achieve it in other ways by applying the might of our heroic army.”

He also addressed Israeli skepticism over the effectiveness of ceasefires, stating bluntly that after each of the previous truces, Israel returned to war due to Hamas’s continued aggression.

“They told us, ‘You won’t return to war.’ But we did. After the second ceasefire, we returned. After a third ceasefire do you want me to continue?” he asked rhetorically.

Hostage Negotiations: 10 Alive, 12 Deceased in Initial Deal

A key component of the truce involves the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. According to Netanyahu, 50 hostages remain, of whom only 20 are believed to be alive.

Under the terms currently on the table, 10 living hostages and 12 deceased captives would be released during the ceasefire. Netanyahu told hostage families he was committed to retrieving all remaining captives.

“I want to rescue everyone in one fell swoop,” he said. “But the choice isn’t always in our hands.” He also stressed that while Hamas will determine which captives are freed first, the Israeli government is treating all hostages living or deceased as humanitarian cases after more than 640 days in captivity.

Netanyahu’s Conditions for a Permanent Ceasefire

Netanyahu listed three minimum conditions for entering a permanent ceasefire agreement with Hamas:

• Surrender of weapons
• Complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip
• Removal or exile of Hamas’s leadership

“From the moment the first hostages are released to the last, we are willing to engage in negotiations for a permanent ceasefire provided these conditions are met,” Netanyahu explained.

He made it clear that failure to achieve these goals diplomatically within the 60-day ceasefire would result in a resumption of combat operations.

U.S.-Israel Tensions Over Rafah Operations

During Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, U.S. officials expressed concerns about Israeli military operations in Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor, urging restraint during any agreed ceasefire.

Despite U.S. pressure, Netanyahu said Israel plans to continue its military objectives in those regions if necessary.

“We overcame that too, and now we want to complete the move. Whether through diplomacy or force, we will not stop until Hamas is dismantled and Israel’s security is restored.”

This stance may complicate American efforts to maintain stability in the region and protect civilian populations.

Hamas Rejects Israeli Withdrawal Maps

Hamas has reportedly rejected updated Israeli maps that outline partial IDF withdrawals from Gaza. These maps were presented under U.S. pressure to facilitate the 60-day ceasefire, but still leave one-third of Gaza under Israeli control.

Of particular concern to Hamas is the Morag Corridor, where Israel plans to establish a so-called “humanitarian city.” Senior Hamas leader Bassem Naim dismissed the plan:

“We cannot accept the perpetuation of the occupation of our land or isolated enclaves under occupation control.”

This rejection is one of several sticking points preventing finalization of the ceasefire deal.

Gaza Casualties Highlight Ongoing Crisis

As negotiations proceed, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. On Thursday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a strike on a Hamas operative in Deir al-Balah, but the attack also killed eight children and two women, according to Gaza health officials.

UNICEF reported that one of the child victims was a one-year-old boy who had spoken his first words just hours before the airstrike.

“There are painful prices. But we have great achievements in the fight against terror,” Netanyahu said in response to criticism over the civilian death toll.

IDF Has Not Fully Defeated Hamas

Despite months of operations and several ground incursions, Netanyahu admitted that Hamas has not yet been fully dismantled.

“We dismantled most of Hamas’s military capabilities but not all of them. There are still thousands of fighters left in Gaza.”

This statement marks a shift from earlier proclamations, including Netanyahu’s April 2024 claim that Israel was on the verge of victory.

Critics argue that Israel’s military strategy lacks a clear exit plan and that continued warfare risks international condemnation.

Iran Parallel: Peace Through Talks or Force

Netanyahu drew parallels between Israel’s posture toward Hamas and its position on Iran’s nuclear program. Citing recent U.S.-Israel joint strikes on Iran, Netanyahu warned that diplomacy alone won’t solve Israel’s long-term threats.

“If the U.S. and Iran can resolve the nuclear issue through negotiations in 60 days great. If not, we will resolve it in another way,” he said.

The statement reflects Netanyahu’s broader doctrine: negotiation backed by force.

Trump-Netanyahu Alliance Reinforced

Netanyahu praised President Donald Trump, calling him “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.” This visit marked Netanyahu’s third trip to Washington since Trump resumed office in January 2025.

During a Newsmax interview, Netanyahu confirmed that recent joint strikes “obliterated” three of Iran’s nuclear sites, which he claimed were months away from producing atomic weapons.

This U.S.-Israel alignment has strengthened Netanyahu’s diplomatic hand but has also drawn criticism from global human rights organizations and domestic opposition parties.

What’s at Stake: A Race Between Diplomacy and War

With negotiations in Doha approaching a critical point, Netanyahu made it clear that time is running out. Either Hamas agrees to disarm and surrender power, or Israel will return to war.

“We want to act through a combination of diplomacy and military force… and military force if diplomacy doesn’t work,” Netanyahu declared.

The world now waits to see whether a lasting ceasefire is possible or whether the Gaza Strip is poised for yet another round of devastating conflict.

Conclusion: Peace Through Surrender or War for Security

Netanyahu has drawn a clear red line: no peace without the end of Hamas. The ceasefire deal offers a narrow window for diplomacy, but Israel’s military remains on standby. With hostage families desperate for resolution, international mediators working around the clock, and public pressure mounting, the next few days will determine whether Gaza sees peace or more bloodshed.

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