Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his rejection of Hamas's demands, which were included in their response to the Paris proposal, reaffirming his intention to completely eliminate the group in Gaza. Regarding Israel's response to the demands mentioned in Hamas's reply to the framework of the exchange deal, Netanyahu stated in a press conference that "there must be negotiations through intermediaries, but not in light of Hamas's response." He pointed out that continuing military pressure is a "precondition, and also not capitulating to Hamas's demands," considering that engaging with the group's demands "will not lead to the release of the hostages but rather to a new massacre."
Concerning the day after the war in Gaza, Netanyahu said, "The day after is the day after (eliminating) Hamas. All of Hamas." Furthermore, Netanyahu confirmed that "decisive victory is our goal, and we will accept nothing less." He added that he has directed the Defense Forces to operate in Rafah, with "a safe passage for the residents," thus confirming his determination to proceed with attacks on Rafah, which is crowded with displaced persons from other devastated areas of Gaza. He emphasized that "there is no other solution but to achieve a harsh victory." The Israeli Prime Minister stated that this requires "the absence of Hamas in Gaza," noting that "eliminating Hamas will reflect across the entire Middle East, and it is a victory for everyone." Hamas has proposed a ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has lasted for four months, and Israel has said it is considering the proposal.
