Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed growing international appeals for a ceasefire in Gaza, affirming that Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas militants will persist with “full force.”
In a televised address, Netanyahu outlined that a ceasefire could only be considered if all 239 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are released.
Moreover, Netanyahu asserted that, following the ongoing six-week-long war, Gaza must be demilitarized, and Israel would retain security control over the region.
When questioned about the term “security control,” the Israeli leader clarified that it involves the capability for Israeli forces to enter Gaza as needed to pursue militants.
Netanyahu also rejected the notion that the Palestinian Authority, governing autonomous areas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, would eventually assume control of Gaza. These positions stand in contrast to post-war scenarios suggested by Israel’s ally, the United States.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the US’s opposition to an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza, envisioning a unified Palestinian government in both Gaza and the West Bank as a step toward Palestinian statehood.
