Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Wednesday that the ongoing conflict in Gaza will continue until Hamas is disarmed and the Palestinian territory is fully under Israeli control. Speaking during a press conference in Jerusalem, he outlined the specific conditions necessary to end the war, which has escalated since October 2023.
“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,” Netanyahu declared, underscoring his commitment to dismantling Hamas as a prerequisite for peace. The Israeli leader made it clear that he expects the entirety of Hamas’ leadership to vacate Gaza and for Israel to guarantee that the enclave is devoid of any arms.
Further complicating the situation, Netanyahu indicated that, contingent upon the fulfilment of these terms, Israel would implement a plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This controversial proposal includes the resettlement of Gaza’s population and has sparked widespread condemnation regionally and internationally. Many nations have insisted that Gaza is intrinsically Palestinian land that should remain so.
In a more conciliatory tone, Netanyahu expressed his openness to a temporary truce with Hamas to facilitate the release of hostages. Current Israeli intelligence estimates that of the 58 hostages under Hamas’s control, 20 are still believed to be alive.
In a robust retort to criticisms directed toward Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Netanyahu dismissed the notion that halting the war without achieving these objectives would be beneficial. “Anyone who calls us to end the war right before us achieving these goals, is actually calling for keeping Hamas in power,” he asserted, reinforcing his view that calls for a ceasefire equate to support for Hamas.
The situation has not gone unnoticed on the global stage; on Tuesday, the UK suspended free trade talks with Israel amid concerns about its military actions. Nations such as Canada and France announced intentions to take “concrete” measures to compel Israel to consider ceasing hostilities. Additionally, the European Union is reviewing its trade agreements with Israel in light of the ongoing conflict, according to its foreign policy chief.
Netanyahu expressed his disapproval of such developments, labelling them a disgrace. “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 stated passionately.
Amid concerns about the Israel-U.S. relationship, Netanyahu reassured supporters that he retains strong backing from Trump. “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,” Netanyahu noted, putting to rest speculation regarding any rift.
On the other side of the conflict, Hamas has indicated its willingness to release hostages, provided that Israel agrees to a complete withdrawal from the territory and an end to hostilities. However, Hamas remains resolute in rejecting demands for disarmament and exile.