Israeli Foreign Minister Rejects Global Calls for Gaza Ceasefire

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar pushed back on mounting international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and formal recognition of a Palestinian state, describing such efforts as a “distorted campaign” during a media briefing on Tuesday.

Firm Rejection of Truce While Hamas Holds Power

Saar firmly ruled out the possibility of ending the war while Hamas remains in control of Gaza and continues to detain Israeli hostages. He emphasized that agreeing to a ceasefire under the current circumstances would be detrimental to both Israelis and Palestinians, stating it would constitute “a tragedy.”

“Israel will not accept such an outcome, regardless of how intense the international pressure becomes,” Saar declared, signaling an unyielding stance toward any ceasefire proposals that fail to address Hamas’s role in the conflict.

Broader Context of Global Pressure

His remarks come as foreign governments and humanitarian organizations ramp up demands for a halt in hostilities amid worsening conditions in Gaza. The calls for de-escalation have grown louder as the war drags on and civilian casualties mount, intensifying scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign and diplomatic posture.

Israel, however, maintains that any diplomatic resolution must prioritize its security and the dismantling of Hamas’s military infrastructure. Saar’s comments align with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s broader policy that rejects external attempts to impose terms perceived as compromising national security or rewarding militant governance.

As the war continues, Israel’s leadership is signaling that the path forward will be determined by its own strategic calculations—not by international expectations.