Netanyahu described the Hamas offer as “bizarre”, apparently referring to the 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of all Israeli hostages whether dead or alive.

“If Hamas will survive Gaza, it’s only a question of time until the next massacre,” Netanyahu told a press conference on Wednesday (February 7).

The Israeli chief executive said the only solution for peace to reign in the region is for a complete victory against Hamas as this would avert any chance for terrorism to reign.

The Hamas presented its counter-offer for ceasefire to the mediation group of Egypt and Qatar. The mediation panel will meet again next week to thresh out developments of its peace effort.

Hamas reportedly sent a ceasefire plan calling for an initial 45-day pause in fighting, during which the following Israeli hostages will be freed: women, males under 19 years old, elderly and sick.

In exchange, the Hamas wants Israel to release Palestinian women and children allegedly held hostage by Israelis.

Further, the Hamas wants Israel to withdraw its forces from thickly populated areas in Gaza.

Successful implementation of the said conditions would lead to the release by Hamas of all its Israeli hostages in exchange for a return of Palestinians captured by Israel.

The last phase of the deal would be the return of dead hostages by both sides.

So far, the human cost of the on-going siege of Israel in Gaza has reportedly reached 27,700 Palestinians dead and 63,000 injured. Tens of thousands of others have been displaced.

The Israel insists that a complete obliteration of Hamas would prevent a repeat of the October 7 incident when Hamas forces raided civilian areas in Israel and killed 1,300 Israelis.