Netanyahu says no Gaza ceasefire until Hamas destroyed
JERUSALEM, June 1 (Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday there would be no permanent ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities were destroyed.
His comments in a statement published online came after U.S. President Joe Biden said that Israel had proposed a three-phase deal for a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for Hamas releasing hostages.
Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, May 13, 2024. GIL COHEN-MAGEN/Pool via REUTERS Purchase Licensing Rights
“Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: The destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel,” Netanyahu said.
“Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put in place. The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter,” he added.
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Reporting by Dan Williams Writing by Angus McDowall Editing by Frances Kerry