Netanyahu Urges Hamas to Surrender Arms Amid Intensified Strikes on Gaza – Tragedy Unfolds as Rescue Workers Killed
Netanyahu's Contentious Visit to Hungary Set Despite ICC Arrest Warrant
A diplomatic storm brews as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for a tense four-day visit to Hungary on April 2, despite an active arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. His office confirmed the visit on Sunday, signaling a defiant stance amid mounting international scrutiny.
During his stay, Netanyahu is slated to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other key officials before returning to Israel on April 6. Orban, unfazed by the ICC’s ruling, extended the invitation in defiance of global legal mechanisms he previously lambasted as “shameful.” While Hungary ratified the Rome Statute in 2001, Budapest never implemented the corresponding legal provisions, arguing constitutional constraints exempt it from enforcement obligations.
Netanyahu Pressures Hamas: "Lay Down Arms or Leave"
Under the relentless weight of Israeli military operations in Gaza, Netanyahu has ramped up pressure on Hamas, urging the group to disarm. He stated on Sunday that Israel's escalating “military pressure” is proving effective, hinting at cracks forming within Hamas leadership.
“We are witnessing fractures in the negotiations,” he asserted before his cabinet. “Hamas must surrender its weapons. If they do, their leaders will be granted exile.” This declaration comes as both Israel and Hamas acknowledged the receipt of a fresh ceasefire proposal from mediators. While Hamas expressed willingness to accept the terms, Israel responded with a counteroffer crafted in coordination with the United States, further prolonging the diplomatic impasse.
Israeli Strike in Gaza Kills Civilians, Including Children
The specter of war loomed heavily over Khan Younis as an Israeli airstrike tore through a residential area housing displaced families, killing at least eight people, five of whom were children, on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. Later, Nasser Hospital reported a grim escalation—the death toll surged to 17, the majority being women and children.
Israel's offensive, aimed at dismantling the Palestinian militant group, has left an unfathomable human toll. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry—whose figures the United Nations deems credible—the total death count has surpassed 50,277, primarily civilians.
Macron Demands an End to Gaza Strikes
French President Emmanuel Macron took to social media platform X to disclose a conversation with Netanyahu. While reaffirming France’s unwavering support for Israel’s security and hostage recovery efforts, Macron issued a stark appeal: “End the strikes on Gaza and reinstate the ceasefire.”
His plea comes as Israel continues its bombardment of Palestinian territories, obstructing vital humanitarian aid. Additionally, Macron urged Israel to honor the ceasefire in Lebanon following its recent airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs—the first such attack after a four-month pause in hostilities.
Missile Intercepted Over Israel Amid Rising Regional Tensions
A new flashpoint emerged Sunday morning when Israeli air raid sirens blared across multiple regions, moments before the military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. The IDF confirmed the interception, asserting the projectile was neutralized before breaching Israeli airspace.
Since the October 7, 2023, escalation, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have repeatedly launched missiles targeting Israel and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians. A temporary halt followed a truce established on January 19, but the Houthis have since resumed their attacks, vowing continued strikes as long as Israel’s campaign in Gaza persists.
Bodies of 15 Rescue Workers Recovered in Gaza
In a devastating revelation, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported the discovery of 15 rescue workers’ bodies, victims of Israeli attacks on ambulances in western Rafah. Among the deceased were eight paramedics, six Civil Defense personnel, and a UN employee—humanitarian workers whose mission was to save lives amidst the carnage.
The Israeli army conceded on Saturday that it had fired on ambulances in Gaza, justifying the assault by labeling the vehicles “suspicious.” The grim discovery underscores the ever-growing humanitarian catastrophe, raising urgent questions about the conduct of war and the protection of medical personnel in conflict zones.