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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that the war on Gaza will persist until Hamas is disarmed and the Palestinian territory is entirely under Israeli control.
The Israeli premier laid out some of his conditions to bring the war that started in October 2023 to an end.
“I am ready to end the war but with clear conditions that will ensure Israel’s security. All the hostages return home, Hamas hands over its weapons and leaves power,” said Netanyahu at a press conference in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu noted that Hamas’ leadership must all leave Gaza and Israel must ensure that the enclave is free of weapons. He also asserted that after all these conditions are met, Israel will move ahead and proceed with Trump’s proposed plan for the future of Gaza.
“We [will] implement (President) Trump’s plan, it is a good plan and makes a difference and it means something very simple, that the residents of Gaza who want to leave can leave.”
Trump had previously floated the idea of resettling all of Gaza’s population in order for the US to “take ownership” of the land. The proposal was met with widespread regional and international disapproval, with many countries insisting that Gaza is Palestinian and should remain for the Palestinians.
Netanyahu also noted that he is open to a temporary truce with Hamas to release the remaining hostages. The Israeli leader added that Israeli intelligence suggests that 20 of the remaining 58 hostages still under Hamas captivity are believed to be alive.
Netanyahu also slammed countries who’ve been calling out Israel over its actions and operations in Gaza. He stressed that the war will only end when Hamas is fully dismantled, adding that their disapproval of Israel’s war amounts to support for Hamas.
“Anyone who calls us to end the war right before us achieving these goals, is actually calling for keeping Hamas in power.”
On Tuesday, the UK suspended free trade talks with Israel over its intensifying assault as the UK, Canada and France promised “concrete” steps to prompt Israel to halt the war.
The European Union was also reviewing an EU pact governing trade ties with Israel over its conduct of the war, according to its foreign policy chief.
Netanyahu voiced his opposition to the recent developments.
“I think this is a disgrace that Britain, instead of imposing sanctions on Hamas, imposes sanctions on a woman who is threatened daily on the roads of Judia and Samaria (the West Bank) by Hamas terrorists.”
He also stated that US President Donald Trump remains on his side, laying rumours over a fractured relationship with Washington to rest.
“Several days ago, maybe 10 days ago, or more, I spoke with Trump on the phone, and he told me, Bibi, I want you to know that I have an absolute commitment to you and I have an absolute commitment to Israel,” added Netanyahu.
Hamas says it is prepared to release the hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory and an end to the war. It however rejects demands for exile and disarmament.
Additional sources • AP