Devendra Kumar
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has refused to back down from his efforts to achieve a “total victory” against Hamas, despite growing criticism from the United States and international community. Top US officials, including President Joe Biden, have accused Netanyahu of mishandling the conflict, which has resulted in a devastating toll on civilians in Gaza. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a long-time supporter of Israel, has called for the country to hold elections, citing Netanyahu’s perceived losses of direction.
Netanyahu has rejected these calls, insisting that Israel will not be pressured into announcing an election. He has also reiterated his commitment to attacking Hamas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite warnings from Egypt, Germany, and other nations of catastrophic humanitarian consequences. The Israeli Prime Minister has accused the United States of trying to dictate Israel’s internal affairs, comparing his country to a “banana republic.”
Netanyahu has maintained that Hamas is a terrorist organization and that Israel is taking necessary measures to protect its citizens. He has also argued that the war is necessary to eliminate Hamas and ensure that Gaza does not become a threat to Israel. However, human rights groups and aid organizations have criticized the Israeli military campaign, citing the devastating impact on civilians and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The conflict has claimed the lives of over 31,000 Palestinians, with women and children making up two-thirds of the dead. The war has also displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, with a quarter of the population facing starvation. Aid groups have called for more ground routes and fewer Israeli restrictions on humanitarian deliveries, citing the need for sustained aid efforts to meet the severe needs of the population.
As the conflict continues, Netanyahu has maintained that Israel will not be deterred from its goal of eliminating Hamas and securing a ceasefire in exchange for the return of Israeli hostages. The situation remains dire, with both sides dug in and international efforts to broker a ceasefire stalling. The US and other nations have called for restraint and a peaceful resolution, but Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not be swayed by international pressure alone. Despite the mounting pressure, Netanyahu has remained resolute in his commitment to achieving a “total victory” against Hamas.