A prominent opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal by columnist William Galston has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "declare victory" in Gaza and accept a ceasefire agreement. The article, published recently, argues that waiting for an "unconditional surrender from Hamas that will never come" is an untenable strategy. Galston's proposal includes the return of all remaining hostages and a withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the Gaza Strip.
William Galston, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, suggests that Hamas's objectives do not align with an unconditional surrender. Reports indicate that Hamas seeks a permanent ceasefire that would allow it to claim victory by outlasting Israel, maintaining its leadership of the Palestinian national cause, and refusing disarmament. This stance directly contradicts Israel's stated war aims.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently articulated his own conditions for lasting peace in the region. His prerequisites include the destruction of Hamas, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the deradicalization of Palestinian society. He has repeatedly stated that Israel will not permanently halt the war unless Hamas ends its rule in Gaza and its leaders go into exile, conditions that Hamas has firmly rejected.
Recent developments in July 2025 underscored the deep divisions in negotiations. Israeli and U.S. delegations, including President Donald Trump, appeared to abandon ceasefire talks with Hamas, with both sides stating that the Palestinian militant group did not desire a deal. This followed Hamas's submission of a truce proposal that Israel deemed unacceptable, leading to a hardening of Israel's position.
Netanyahu also faces significant domestic political pressure regarding the conflict's resolution. His far-right coalition partners reportedly oppose a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza or any ceasefire that would leave Hamas in power. Analysts suggest that the Prime Minister's decisions are influenced by the need to maintain his governing coalition, which could collapse if he agrees to terms seen as too lenient towards Hamas.
The ongoing conflict continues amidst mounting international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. United Nations agencies have reported dire conditions, including dwindling supplies of therapeutic food for severely malnourished children. Calls for an immediate ceasefire have intensified from various international bodies and nations, including France, which recently recognized an independent Palestinian state.