Netanyahu Rejects Calls for Cease-Fire Amid U.K. Restrictions on Arms Exports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly resisted calls for a cease-fire with Hamas, despite mounting domestic protests, criticism from President Biden, and new restrictions on weapons exports from the United Kingdom, CBS News reports.

In a televised address late Monday, Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance against pausing military operations in Gaza, citing ongoing negotiations aimed at halting the conflict temporarily to facilitate the release of hostages. His remarks followed a dramatic weekend in which six Israeli hostages were confirmed dead after being held by Hamas, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Netanyahu expressed regret for not being able to rescue the hostages alive, asserting that Hamas would face significant consequences for their deaths.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s comments came as Hamas released videos of slain hostages Ori Danino and Eden Yerushalmi. Netanyahu emphasized that maintaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor—a border area between Gaza and Egypt—is crucial to achieving Israel’s war objectives. However, this stance clashes with demands from Hamas and objections from Egypt.

Domestically, Netanyahu faces intense pressure. Large-scale protests erupted over the weekend, with tens of thousands of Israelis calling for an end to the conflict and the release of the remaining hostages, some of whom are believed to be deceased. Critics accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over national interests.

In the US, President Biden expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s efforts to secure a cease-fire, indicating that he believes more decisive action is needed. On Monday, Biden met with negotiators from Egypt and Qatar to discuss the ongoing conflict.

Internationally, the UK government added to the pressure by announcing a suspension of arms exports to Israel. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy cited concerns over the potential misuse of exported weapons, announcing the suspension of 30 out of approximately 350 export licenses. Netanyahu condemned the UK decision as “shameful” and “misguided,” maintaining that Israel’s right to self-defense should be upheld.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, the World Health Organization is working to vaccinate children against polio amidst the ongoing conflict. The health ministry in Gaza reported that approximately 160,000 children have been vaccinated in the initial days of the emergency campaign.