Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war in Gaza will continue even if Israel agrees to a ceasefire with the Palestinian armed faction.
On the 23rd (local time), Arabic news broadcast Al Jazeera, reported that although willing to accept a partial compromise for the release of some Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu emphasized his opposition to any agreement demanding a complete halt to war.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu said, “The goal is the return of the kidnapped hostages and uprooting Hamas in Gaza.”
Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a ceasefire proposal calling for a six-week halt and exchange of prisoners or hostages between Israel and Hamas, stating that it was approved by Israeli government officials and Netanyahu.
However, Netanyahu has shown his determination to continue fighting until Hamas is completely removed.
In his first interview with Israeli news media since the outbreak of the war with Hamas last October, Netanyahu revealed that while the fierce battle in the southern Gaza district of Rafah is nearly over, that does not mean the war with Hamas is completely over.
He reiterated his opposition to the idea of the Palestinian Authority (PA) ruling the Gaza Strip instead of Hamas and stated the need for a civilian administration.
In this interview, Netanyahu mentioned that Israeli forces will soon be deployed to the border area with Lebanon for “defensive purposes,” hinting at a shift in focus to this area.
He said that after the intense phase of the war in the Gaza Strip, the troops will be moved to the northern border area for defensive purposes and allow the residents to return.
Tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the border areas had to leave for safety due to clashes between the armed forces of Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Israeli military.
Meanwhile, protests have continued in Israel, demanding the Netanyahu government to negotiate for the return of hostages and call for early elections.
According to the Israeli military, 251 people were taken hostage during the invasion of Hamas last October, of which 41 were killed and 116 are currently estimated to be alive.
