Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi said the authorities have ruled out an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The statement, reported by the Qatar-based channel Al Jazeera through Al Arabiya, signals a firm stance from Jerusalem amid ongoing hostilities.
Hanegbi emphasized that Israel is not engaged in negotiations over a ceasefire at this time. He stressed that the responsibility for halting the volley of missiles hitting the Israeli enclave for a fifth consecutive day rests squarely with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by several nations including Russia. The focus, he added, is on neutralizing militant threats rather than reaching an immediate halt to fighting.
Egyptian mediators have reportedly been pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions. However, according to the Israeli official, the current priority remains targeted operations against militants, which effectively excludes any imminent ceasefire agreement. The dynamic underscores the delicate balance regional actors are attempting to strike while ensuring civilian protection and regional stability.
In response to renewed strikes, the Israeli Defense Forces previously targeted facilities used by the Islamic Jihad movement in the Gaza Strip. The retaliatory airstrikes followed new rounds of shelling from Gaza, including rocket fire directed toward several sites in and around Jerusalem as part of the ongoing campaign known as Shield and Arrow. The Jerusalem-based reporting noted that rockets were launched toward Efrat, Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Gefen, Tirosh, Gvaot, Har Gilo, Neve Daniel, Tzur Hadassah, Rosh Tzurim, and Kfar Etzion. Palestinian militants have reportedly fired more than 800 rockets since the start of the operation, illustrating the scale and persistence of the current escalation.
The situation remains highly volatile, with authorities warning residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and to follow safety guidelines. Analysts note that the conflict’s trajectory could hinge on a combination of continued military actions, regional diplomacy, and humanitarian considerations in Gaza. Observers in Washington, Ottawa, and allied capitals are closely watching developments as international actors seek to prevent further deterioration while supporting stability and civilian protection.