Israel opposes US President Joe Biden's demand for humanitarian ceasefires in the Gaza Strip, claiming that the time will be used by Hamas to organize against IDF soldiers – which could lead to harm to them.
In response to Biden's demand, MK Danny Danon (Likud) wrote this morning on his X account (formerly Twitter): "Mr. President Biden, we appreciate the support of the United States – but just as the United States did not stop in its war against the evil of al-Qaeda, so there is no reason for us to stop against Hamas terrorists either. Any pause means time for terrorists to organize and harm our forces. We must not stop the fighting – not even for a moment."
Mr. President Biden, we appreciate the support of the United States, but just as the United States has not stopped in its war against the evil of al-Qaeda, so there is no reason why we should also stop against Hamas terrorists. Any pause means time for terrorists to organize and harm our forces. We must not stop the fighting - not even for a moment.
— Danny Danon Danny Danon 🇮🇱 (@dannydanon) November 8, 2023
Misgav Institute head and former National Security Council head Meir Ben-Shabbat also objected to the demand, mentioning the price Israel paid for "humanitarian" ceasefires in Operation Protective Edge in 2014. "Hamas will take advantage of the ceasefire to prepare and harm our forces. The ceasefire will make it possible to improve the picture in his hands, to identify weak points and opportunities vis-à-vis our forces, to booby-trap buildings and traffic routes, and to transport fighters and means," warned Ben-Shabbat, who added: "As you will recall, during Operation Protective Edge we paid a high price in blood in a humanitarian pause that took place under UN auspices. When our abductees are held in the Gaza Strip without access from the Red Cross and without basic humanitarian rights, it is wrong to allow such pauses."
The headquarters of the families of the abductees and missing persons also expressed strong opposition to ceasefires, which would not necessarily lead to the release of the abductees from the Gaza Strip. "There will be no humanitarian ceasefire without progress to release the hostages," the headquarters said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also responded to this week's remarks, saying that "there will be no ceasefires without the return of the hostages. Not for the purpose of conversations – only for returning them."
At this stage, Israel's position is against US demands for temporary ceasefires. According to the political echelon, any such cessation will be accepted only in return for the full release of the hostages, it will be only temporary, after which fighting will resume.
IDF attacks in the Gaza Strip // Photo: IDF Spokesperson
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