In a first, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he is ready to end the war and hostilities in Gaza if militant group Hamas agrees to certain terms and conditions, including surrendering arms. This comes as leaders from UK, France and Germany have threatened to impose sanctions on Tel Aviv, if it continues its new offensive in the Palestinian territory. In a statement by the Israel Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday, Netanyahu criticised the leaders of London, Paris and Ottawa for threatening to sanction the country against its offensive in Gaza and demanding a Palestinian state. The Israeli PM said that “the leaders are offering a huge price for the genocidal attack on Israel.” We firmly oppose the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering is intolerable. In the lead-up to the June 18 conference in New York, we must all work toward implementing the two-state solution. Our joint statement — France, the United… — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 19, 2025 A joint statement was released by the British government on behalf of France and Canada which said “The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law.” The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarized. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won't. » — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 19, 2025 Last Monday, Netanyahu had announced the plan that Israel would take over the entire Gaza and the Israeli military launched its new offensive in the Palestinian territory on Friday. Since the aid trucks for Gaza have also been halted by Tel Aviv for the past two months, experts have suggested that Gaza could suffer an imminent famine due to continued offensive. Conditions To End War The Israeli PMO quoting Netanyahu stated in a post on X that war in Gaza would end tomorrow if: The remaining hostages are released. Hamas lays down its arms. Hamas’ murderous leaders are exiled. Gaza is demilitarized. The statement further said that "no nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won't." The Israeli PMO further added, “This is a war of civilization over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.” Hamas has shown interest in getting a ceasefire finalised with Israel, and reports suggest that the militant group demanded a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for nine hostages held by them. The talks for a new ceasefire agreement are being mediated by Egypt and Qatar with the backing of the US.
