Netanyahu’s Commitment to Total Victory Against Hamas Amidst US Protests

Netanyahu’s Stance on Hamas and Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, declaring his pursuit of “total victory.” In a significant address to lawmakers in the United States Congress, he emphasized that he would only consider a ceasefire if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and releases all hostages currently held.

Netanyahu articulated that Israel’s efforts will persist indefinitely until the military capabilities of Hamas are completely dismantled, and all hostages are safely returned. “Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home,” he stated emphatically. “That’s what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.”

However, critics have raised concerns regarding Netanyahu’s declaration of total victory, labeling it as unrealistic. They point out that Hamas has consistently managed to regroup in regions previously vacated by Israeli forces. This declaration comes at a time when discussions among officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States, and Qatar were anticipated to take place in Doha, with the aim of resuming negotiations for a proposed three-phase ceasefire intended to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza and facilitate the release of remaining hostages. Nevertheless, an Israeli official indicated on Wednesday that the team responsible for negotiations would be delayed and was likely to be dispatched next week.

Protests Erupt in Washington

Simultaneously, thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Washington, chanting “Free, Free Palestine” and some attempting to block key thoroughfares ahead of Netanyahu’s speech. Law enforcement officers, equipped with gas masks, intervened to prevent the demonstrators, who were advocating for an end to the war that has resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian fatalities, from approaching the Capitol building.

In a statement on X, US Capitol Police reported that segments of the crowd had turned “violent” and had “failed to obey” directives to retreat from the police barricades. “We are deploying pepper spray toward anyone trying to break the law and cross that line,” the Capitol Police warned.

In addition to the protests, Israeli demonstrators joined in, urging US President Joe Biden to facilitate a resolution that would ensure the release of hostages. Throughout the gallery overlooking the House chamber, at least six individuals donned T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Seal the deal now,” advocating for Netanyahu to finalize an agreement to return the hostages.

Notably, more than 50 prominent Democrats, alongside political independent Bernie Sanders, chose to boycott Netanyahu’s address. Furthermore, Vice President Kamala Harris was conspicuously absent due to a long-scheduled engagement.