'Dirty Game': Hamas slams amid uncertainty over Netanyahu's withdrawal decision
Channel 12 reports that top Israeli security officials were not sure about what Netanyahu said. One source said that the head of the Israeli army had only seen two possible outcomes: either a full-scale military takeover of the Gaza Strip, which would put prisoners' lives at risk, or keeping the pressure on Hamas in the hopes of making a breakthrough.
A senior Israeli source told Axios that even within the government, no one is sure what these "alternatives" are. The source did say that rising tensions might put enough pressure on both sides to start talking again, but that a complete breakdown of the talks would not be good for Israel's long-term interests.
Netanyahu Takes a Stand
In a speech on Friday, Netanyahu said that his government is working with Washington to look into "alternative plans." He said that these would get the Israeli prisoners back, end Hamas's rule in Gaza, and make sure that Israel and the surrounding area would have permanent peace.
People on the far right of the Prime Minister's alliance have strongly responded to what he said. While talking about national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir said that all humanitarian aid should stop, Gaza should be fully occupied, Hamas should be killed, and forced migration and Israeli settlement in the area should be encouraged. He told Netanyahu that the army should be allowed to move.
This view was shared by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said that the time for "humiliating negotiations with terrorists" was over and that now was the time for "true victory."
غموض يكتنف "بدائل نتنياهو" بعد انسحاب الوفد الإسرائيلي من مفاوضات غزة https://t.co/y7y7GLvkGL pic.twitter.com/wor0IRleO8 — صحيفة مباشر العربية (@mubasheer2022) July 26, 2025
The Israeli and American teams quit the talks on Thursday night, just a few hours after Hamas officially replied to the peace offer. Initial reports said the pullback was only brief and meant to be used for talks. However, Netanyahu's later statements showed that Israel was taking a tougher stance.
Steve Wietkoff, the U.S. envoy, said that the talks were held up because of Hamas. Netanyahu backed up this point of view by saying that Wietkoff "is absolutely right."
What Hamas Says: "A Dirty Game"
An official from Hamas's political party, Bassem Naim, spoke out against the U.S. stance and said that Wietkoff's words were just pressure tactics to help Israel. Naim wrote on Facebook that Hamas had made a good offer, recognizing how complicated the situation was. He said that if Israel was ready, the offer could lead to a deal.
He also said that Hamas's plan could be the basis for a lasting truce and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops. "Now it is up to the Zionist enemy and those who support it to end this dirty game," Naim wrote.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
21 minutes ago
- Roya News
Hamas refuses talks until Gaza humanitarian crisis eases: Sources
Hamas has told international mediators that it will not reenter negotiations with "Israel" until there is a meaningful improvement in the humanitarian situation in Gaza, according to two sources cited by The Jerusalem Post. The group's stance comes in response to a formal reply "Israel" issued to a recent Hamas position paper. In that response, "Israeli" officials rejected Hamas's demand for the release of detainees in exchange for the return of the bodies of "Israeli" captives. "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly floated the idea of a partial annexation of Gaza during a closed cabinet meeting on Monday, should negotiations over a captives deal collapse. The discussion was confirmed to The Jerusalem Post by a senior "Israeli" source. Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed on Wednesday that "Israel" is making 'extraordinary efforts' to secure the release of the captives, while maintaining intense military and political pressure on Hamas. 'If Hamas does not soon announce the release of the hostages, it will pay a very heavy price,' Katz warned. Amid the deadlock, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump, is expected to arrive in "Israel" on Thursday. His visit aims to push forward stalled negotiations and assess the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. According to a report by Ynet, Witkoff and the US administration are concerned that far-right "Israeli" ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, may obstruct any potential deal due to domestic political pressure on Netanyahu. The envoy is reportedly considering meeting with both officials to urge their support at what US officials see as a pivotal moment.
Al Bawaba
an hour ago
- Al Bawaba
France, Canada and 14 countries urge joint recognition of Palestine and immediate Gaza ceasefire
Published July 30th, 2025 - 07:48 GMT The statement, published by the French Foreign Ministry, was also endorsed by Andorra, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain. ALBAWABA- In a coordinated diplomatic move, 16 countries, including France, Canada, and Australia, issued a joint appeal on Wednesday urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and calling for international recognition of the State of Palestine. Also Read UK to recognize Palestinian state by September The statement, published by the French Foreign Ministry, was also endorsed by Andorra, Canada, Australia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain. The joint declaration emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities in the Gaza Strip, demanding 'an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and remains, and unimpeded humanitarian access.' 'We have already recognized, expressed, or are expressing our readiness or positive outlook to recognize the State of Palestine as an essential step toward a two-state solution,' the statement read, calling on other nations to follow suit. It reaffirmed a commitment to 'two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.' The statement also underlined the necessity of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority's governance as part of a broader effort to realize a sustainable peace. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reinforced the message in a post on X, writing: 'In New York, France and 14 other countries are making a collective appeal: We express our desire to recognize the State of Palestine and urge others to join us.' The announcement comes amid increasing international support for Palestinian statehood. Spain, Norway, and Ireland officially recognized Palestine on May 28, 2024, followed by Slovenia on June 5, bringing the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 148 out of 193 UN member states. The only realistic, just & sustainable solution for peace in the Middle East is two States - Israel & Palestine - living side-by-side in peace & us, at long last, choose the path of peace.⁰Not as a concept, but as a commitment. ⁰Not as a dream, but as a reality.… — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 29, 2025 The statement was released in parallel with the Two-State Solution Conference, held in New York on July 28–29, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. High-level representatives from across the globe gathered to explore pathways to implement a two-state framework and advance global recognition of Palestinian statehood. In its final declaration, the conference, attended by Palestine and notably boycotted by the United States, called for Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza and the handover of the territory to the Palestinian Authority. It also urged full Palestinian membership in the United Nations and emphasized 'the urgent need to stop the war in Gaza, release all hostages and detainees, and end Israel's military presence in the enclave.' Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a devastating war on Gaza marked by large-scale destruction, famine, and mass displacement. Despite global outcry and binding orders from the International Court of Justice to cease hostilities, the offensive, backed by the United States, has left approximately 206,000 Palestinians dead or wounded, most of them women and children. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Al Bawaba
2 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Hezbollah rejects disarmament calls, says weapons are Lebanon's 'strength'
Published July 30th, 2025 - 07:17 GMT These weapons are for resisting Israel, not for domestic conflict, and they represent a source of strength for Lebanon.' ALBAWABA- Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has firmly rejected mounting domestic and international calls for the group to surrender its weapons, declaring that Hezbollah's arsenal is an internal Lebanese matter and a vital part of the country's defense against Israel. In a televised speech on Wednesday, Qassem responded to suggestions that Hezbollah's disarmament be tied to the November 2024 ceasefire, stating: 'Weapons are not part of any deal with the Israeli enemy, they are a Lebanese affair. الشيخ نعيم قاسم: لن نقبل أن يكون لبنان ملحقًا بإسرائيل لو بتجتمع الدنيا كلها، لو ما بيبقى ولا واحد منّا، لن تستطيع إسرائيل هزيمتنا وأخذ لبنان ما دمنا نقول لا إله إلا الله.#وقائع — وقائع (@waqa2e3) July 30, 2025 These weapons are for resisting Israel, not for domestic conflict, and they represent a source of strength for Lebanon.' Qassem warned that calls to disarm Hezbollah essentially serve Israeli interests. 'We will not hand over our weapons to Israel. Those calling for this are asking us to disarm for Israel's benefit,' he said. Referring to recent U.S. pressure, he added: 'America says hand over the missiles and drones. Barak says these weapons scare Israel. Clearly, the objective is Israeli security, not Lebanese stability.' Underscoring Hezbollah's continued defiance, Qassem declared, 'If we are all killed, Israel will still fail to defeat us. As long as one soul remains, Lebanon will not be taken hostage by Israel.' He also warned that the real threat to Lebanon is ongoing Israeli aggression: 'The priority is not disarmament—it is reconstruction and ending the aggression. Any call to surrender our weapons while under attack is a call to disarm Lebanon in front of its enemy.' Qassem's remarks come amid growing pressure within Lebanon's political circles. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the cabinet would soon reconvene to continue discussions on 'extending the state's sovereignty over all its territories exclusively through its own forces,' a clear reference to Hezbollah's weapons. The topic had first been debated during an April 17 session. The renewed debate follows a visit by U.S. envoy Thomas Barak, who urged the Lebanese state to monopolize arms control, and received Beirut's formal response to Washington's proposal on Hezbollah's disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Also Read 12 Lebanese killed, 8 wounded, in Israeli strikes on Beqaa valley While the full content of Lebanon's reply remains undisclosed, it emphasized the state's sole authority over national defense decisions. On July 4, Qassem had reiterated that 'those who demand the resistance hand over its weapons must first demand the withdrawal of the aggressor,' calling it unreasonable to pressure Hezbollah while ignoring Israeli occupation and attacks. These developments unfold against the backdrop of rising tension along the southern Lebanon border. Despite the ceasefire in place since late 2024, Israeli air raids have repeatedly struck civilian areas. Israel's war on Lebanon, which began on October 8, 2023 and escalated into a full-scale conflict by September 2024, has left over 4,000 people dead and nearly 17,000 injured. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
