In a bold declaration on Thursday, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that the Israeli military was performing “exceptionally well” in its offensive against Hamas. Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu asserted that a ceasefire with Hamas would equate to surrender and emphasized that there was no specific timetable for the military operations.
“I think the Israeli army is performing exceptionally well. However long it takes, we’ll do it,” Netanyahu declared.
The ongoing conflict escalated on October 7 when Hamas militants crossed the border from Gaza, resulting in casualties and the taking of hostages, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes and a ground offensive, causing significant casualties in Gaza, with a high toll on civilians, including children, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
Netanyahu clarified that Israel had no intention of reoccupying Gaza in the long term, stating, “We don’t seek to govern Gaza. We don’t seek to occupy it, but we seek to give it and us a better future.” He outlined a vision for Gaza’s future, emphasizing the need for demilitarization, deradicalization, and reconstruction.
“We’ll have to find a government, a civilian government that will be there,” Netanyahu stated, without providing specific details about potential leadership. He emphasized the necessity for Gaza to be demilitarized and rebuilt, indicating that this was a crucial step towards a more stable future.
Regarding the conditions for a ceasefire and potential peace negotiations, Netanyahu expressed optimism. Despite the ongoing conflict, he insisted that diplomatic momentum would not be derailed and that conditions would be “ripe” for negotiations to resume after Hamas was dismantled.
“I think conditions will be ripe. In fact, after a victory, I think they’ll be even riper,” Netanyahu asserted.
As the situation in the region continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.