Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday (16) that the complete withdrawal of the Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip is out of the question and reiterated that the war against Hamas will only end with the group’s total defeat. According to him, Israel’s control over the territory will be maintained as a condition for any ceasefire agreement.
“Our continuous control over Gaza is one of the conditions for the end of the war, and Hamas refuses to accept it,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “We want to ensure the demilitarization of the track over time, with continuous measures against any attempt at rearmament.”
The statement occurs amid internal and external pressures for an agreement that enables the release of hostages and the end of the conflict, which has left more than 60,000 killed in Gaza, according to local authorities. In Israel, the conflict began after an attack from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which killed more than 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages.
Unique opportunity
Legacy Card: Far beyond a service
Netanyahu also rejected the requests for a ceasefire before Hamas surrender. For the premie, this would only reinforce the group’s position and postpone the release of hostages.
He argued that a total withdrawal would allow Hamas to reorganize, if we armed again and to attack cities near the border, such as Nir Oz, Kissimfim and Sderot.
“Those who ask for the end of the war without Hamas income is ensuring that the horrors of October 7 are repeated. This would condemn us to an endless war,” he said.
Continues after advertising
Currently, 50 Israeli hostages would still be held by the group, according to the government. It is estimated that only 20 of them are alive.
“National Unit”
Despite the rejection of immediate ceasefire, Netanyahu has signaled that he supports negotiations for the liberation of hostages, provided that accompanied by the military disarticulation of Hamas.
“To free the hostages and ensure that Gaza never represents a threat to Israel, we need to defeat Hamas,” he said. “Together we will complete the victory and end the war.”
Continues after advertising
Meanwhile, demonstrations across the country ask for an immediate deal. Blocks of roads, marches and trains are planned, as well as strikes with adhesion of municipalities, companies, universities and technology companies.
