Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the conditions for ending the country's war in Gaza, as outlined by the United States President Joe Biden's peace proposal, have not been fulfilled. Netanyahu's comments cast doubt on the viability of the proposed ceasefire agreement, which has garnered support from various international entities.

During a speech on Friday, President Biden stated that Hamas had been significantly weakened, making it incapable of carrying out similar attacks that triggered the current conflict. As part of the proposed agreement, a truce and hostage exchange would occur while negotiations between Israel and Hamas aim to establish a permanent end to the fighting. This proposal has been welcomed by the United Nations, the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar and Egypt have joined the US in calling for Israel and Hamas to finalize the ceasefire terms.

While Hamas has viewed the proposal positively and expressed readiness to engage constructively, Netanyahu's office released a statement on Saturday reiterating Israel's key goals for the war. These goals include the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities, the release of all hostages, and the guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. Netanyahu's office emphasized that Israel would not agree to a permanent ceasefire until these conditions are met.

It remains unclear to what extent Israel supports the peace plan. The Prime Minister's Saturday statement appears aimed at outlining the conditions for a ceasefire agreement rather than categorically rejecting it, as suggested by the Israeli newspaper The Times of Israel. Netanyahu is facing pressure both domestically from opposition leaders who seek a ceasefire agreement and from ministers within his own party who maintain a firm stance on Israel's original war objectives. Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are urging the Prime Minister to accept the proposal.

Protesters took to the streets across Israel on Saturday, demanding Netanyahu's resignation, early elections, and the release of all hostages. Demonstrations in Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Herzeliya, and Kfar Saba included the chanting of the names of the hostages still in captivity. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has stated his support for securing a hostage deal and ceasefire and offered a "safety net" to Netanyahu, contingent upon certain ministers leaving the government.

President Biden acknowledged the tensions within the Israeli government and made a direct appeal to ordinary Israelis to voice their support for a hostage agreement and ensuing ceasefire. The mounting international pressure on Netanyahu's government to end the war in Gaza, which has lasted for nine months, is evident. The conflict, triggered by Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians in October, has caused approximately 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages. The Israeli military recently confirmed operations in Rafah, southern Gaza, while an Israeli security official warned that the conflict could continue into the next year.