Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared today that Israel’s aim is to free the Gaza Strip, not to occupy it, and that the best way to end the war is through the disarmament of the militant Islamist group Hamas.
“Hamas still has thousands of armed terrorists in Gaza who steal food and fire on civilians. No nation can approve the actions of a genocidal terrorist organization,” Netanyahu told reporters.
He noted that the ongoing war in Gaza, which started in October 2023, could end tomorrow if Hamas disarms and releases all remaining hostages.
Netanyahu outlined five principles for ending the conflict: the surrender or disarmament of Hamas, the release of all Israeli captives, security control, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of a non-Israeli, peaceful civilian administration.
He added that the civilian administration would function as a transitional government and that there are already several candidates for this role, though he did not specify who they are.
“Since Hamas refuses to disarm, Israel has no choice but to complete the task of subjugating them,” Netanyahu said, adding that Jerusalem currently controls 75 percent of Gaza’s territory.
He also mentioned that the security cabinet ordered the Israeli military to dismantle the two remaining Hamas strongholds—in Gaza City and the central camps.
“That is the best way to end the war,” he said.
On the issue of the limited humanitarian aid reaching civilians in Gaza, Netanyahu stated that since the beginning of the war, Israel has sent about two million tons of aid to the affected population. “I do not know of any other military that has allowed so much aid to civilians during a war,” he said, adding that despite Hamas’s obstacles, two million Palestinians currently have access to assistance.
Netanyahu claims that foreign media, which have restricted access to the Gaza Strip, rely on Hamas’s claims, statistics, and photos in their reporting.
“Two days ago, we decided to allow foreign journalists into Gaza. It is risky, but I believe it can be done safely. This directive will be implemented soon. You will see Gaza residents fighting alongside Hamas members,” he said.
Netanyahu stated that Israel’s goal is to recover the 20 remaining living hostages as well as the deceased.
Regarding Germany’s halt of weapons supplies to Israel, Netanyahu said that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz succumbed to pressure from foreign media coverage.
Asked if the recognition of a Palestinian state would be a reward for Hamas, Netanyahu said Palestinians have been offered a state multiple times but have rejected it.
“Palestinians are not focused on building a state, but on destroying one,” he said.
Netanyahu added that in the Israeli Knesset vote on the existence of a Palestinian state, 99 members voted against it, while nine supported its establishment.
“We will not commit national suicide,” he concluded.
