Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would completely eliminate Hamas in his first public remark since US President Donald Trump claimed that Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire plan in Gaza.

“There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a ‘Hamastan’. We’re not going back to that. It’s over,” Netanyahu said during a meeting at the Trans-Israel pipeline. He added that Israel would destroy Hamas “down to their very foundation.”

Netanyahu’s stern statement came as Hamas said it was considering a new proposal for a ceasefire. The group noted it had received suggestions from mediators Egypt and Qatar and was reviewing them. In a statement, Hamas said its aim was to reach an agreement that would stop the war and lead to Israel withdrawing its forces from Gaza.

TRUMP PUSHES FOR TRUCE

US President Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to the key points required for a 60-day ceasefire after a meeting between his representatives and Israeli officials. He described the proposal as a “final” offer aimed at stopping the fighting in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the people of Gaza have mixed feelings about Trump’s proposal. Kamal, a Gaza City resident, said, “I hope it would work this time, even if for two months, it would save thousands of innocent lives.” Another resident, Adnan Al-Assar from Khan Younis, was more cautious. “We hope he is serious, like he was during the Israeli-Iranian war when he said the war should stop, and it stopped,” he said.

There has been rising pressure on Netanyahu to bring an end to the conflict. However, several members of his right-wing coalition remain firmly against any lasting truce with Hamas.

ANNEXATION CALLS AND REGIONAL PRESSURE ADD TO TENSIONS

While ceasefire efforts continue, several ministers from Israel’s Likud party pushed for Israel to annex the West Bank before the Knesset’s summer recess. A petition, signed by 15 cabinet ministers and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, was sent to the Prime Minister’s Office ahead of his planned visit to Washington next week.

Netanyahu’s trip to the US will likely include further discussions with Trump on a possible Gaza ceasefire and a deal to release hostages held by Hamas. The Prime Minister’s Office has not yet commented on the petition, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer — considered close to Netanyahu — did not sign it. Dermer is currently in Washington, holding talks on both Iran and Gaza.

The latest push for a ceasefire follows last month’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.

– Ends

With inputs from Reuters

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