Tel Aviv, July 18 – Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a final ultimatum to Hamas on Thursday, demanding the group accept a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal within days or face a devastating military assault aimed at its “complete annihilation.” The warning came during a high-stakes security cabinet meeting as CIA Director William Burns intensified shuttle diplomacy across the region.
Ceasefire Terms Under Scrutiny
The proposed three-phase deal, negotiated by U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators, mandates an initial 42-day truce requiring Hamas to release 33 vulnerable Israeli hostages (women, elderly, and injured). In return, Israel would withdraw forces from Gaza’s populated areas and permit accelerated humanitarian aid delivery. Subsequent phases envision a permanent ceasefire and Gaza’s reconstruction, contingent on Hamas surrendering remaining hostages and bodies of deceased captives.
Hamas’ Counter-Demands
Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh confirmed receipt of the proposal but insisted on amendments guaranteeing a “complete end to aggression” and full Israeli withdrawal before signing any agreement. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan declared the group seeks “clear assurances” on reconstruction timelines and prisoner exchanges extending beyond the initial release phase. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautiously noted Hamas’ requested changes appeared “workable,” though Israeli officials dismissed them as “stalling tactics.”
Humanitarian Catastrophe Worsens
As negotiations stall, UN agencies report northern Gaza has entered full-fledged famine, with 495,000 Palestinians facing “catastrophic hunger.” Over 1.9 million civilians remain displaced amid collapsing healthcare infrastructure. The World Health Organization confirmed 32 Gaza hospitals remain non-functional due to combat damage and fuel shortages.
Regional Explosion Fears Mount
Gallant confirmed Israel has finalized operational plans for a full-scale invasion of Rafah—where 162,000 civilians still shelter—should talks collapse. Concurrently, cross-border clashes with Hezbollah escalated dramatically, with 217 rockets fired into northern Israel on Wednesday alone. We will achieve victory in Gaza and restore security to the Lebanon border,” Gallant vowed, signaling preparedness for multi-front war.
Critical Countdown Begins
Diplomatic sources indicate Hamas faces a 72-hour deadline (expiring July 21) to accept the deal. The Biden administration pushes urgently for resolution, fearing collapsed talks could trigger:
- All-out Rafah offensive with massive civilian casualties
- Regional war drawing in Hezbollah and Iranian proxies
- Global oil price shocks ahead of U.S. elections
Egypt and Qatar continue last-ditch mediation efforts, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for “statesmanship over brinkmanship.”
