Hamas stated in a statement that Netanyahu’s talk of liberating Gaza is deceitful, hiding his plans for forced displacement, destruction of life essentials, and the installation of a regime loyal to him. They added that he uses the prisoner issue to justify aggression, despite killing dozens of them and reneging on exchange agreements. Hamas continued, stating they were one step away from reaching an agreement and exchange of prisoners, but Netanyahu withdrew from the last round of negotiations. They believe the only way to preserve the prisoners’ lives is to stop the aggression and reach an agreement, not continue bombing and the blockade.
The statement clarified that claims of delivering two million tons of aid are contradicted by UN reports confirming continued severe hunger and child deaths, accusing Israel of deliberately closing crossings and dropping aid in dangerous areas or at sea, resulting in dozens of deaths.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated today, Sunday, that Israel’s goal in the Gaza Strip is a non-Israeli leadership not led by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. During a press conference, Netanyahu said that Israel does not want to retain the strip or govern it, and will establish safe zones for Gaza’s residents to move to.
Regarding the humanitarian situation, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s policy during the war is to prevent a humanitarian crisis, noting the entry of 2 million tons of aid into Gaza since the start of the war. A statement from Netanyahu’s office explained that they are prepared, under this plan, to impose control over Gaza City, while providing humanitarian aid to civilians in areas outside the combat zone.
The statement added that the Security Cabinet approved, by majority vote, five principles to end the war: disarmament of Hamas, return of all prisoners—alive and dead, disarmament of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip, and establishing an alternative civil administration not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. The statement confirmed that an overwhelming majority of government ministers considered the alternative plan presented to the cabinet as one that would not defeat Hamas or return the prisoners, without providing further details.
