In a recent meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his firm stance against accepting any offer to end the ongoing conflict in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israeli media sources, as reported by Al-Monitor, indicated that Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of accepting a ceasefire proposal from Hamas, insisting instead on the necessity of launching a military operation in Rafah.

The meeting between Netanyahu and Blinken comes amidst escalating tensions and mounting international pressure to halt the violence in Gaza. Blinken, who has embarked on multiple trips to the Middle East since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, emphasized the urgency of reaching a ceasefire agreement to ensure the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.

However, Netanyahu remained resolute in his position, asserting that even in the event of a ceasefire agreement, Israel would continue its military operation in Rafah. Despite Blinken's push for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, Netanyahu underscored the priority of addressing security concerns and preventing further attacks on Israeli territory.

The conflict, which erupted following Hamas attacks on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to Israeli government statistics cited by AFP, approximately 1,170 civilians have been killed in southern Israel as a result of Hamas attacks. In response, Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 34,568 individuals, the majority of whom are reported to be women and children.

As diplomatic efforts continue to seek a resolution to the crisis, the situation remains precarious, with Netanyahu's refusal to entertain a ceasefire agreement prolonging the suffering of civilians in Gaza and exacerbating tensions in the region.