Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not accept a ceasefire agreement that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza, underscoring a major obstacle in negotiations aimed at ending the war. His remarks came as Israeli military operations in the enclave continued.

The statement reinforces Israel’s hard line as mediators seek a framework that could pause the fighting and secure the release of hostages. But the gap remains wide: Israel is demanding a post-war arrangement that removes Hamas from power, while any deal that falls short of that condition appears unlikely to win Israeli approval.

The war has devastated Gaza’s civilian population, with widespread destruction, displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Any new round of talks will be judged not only by the political demands of the sides, but by whether it can reduce civilian harm and create a credible path toward ending the fighting.

Netanyahu’s comments signal that negotiations remain fragile, with no immediate breakthrough in sight. For families in Gaza and hostages still held in captivity, the deadlock means more uncertainty as the conflict grinds on.