Netanyahu stands firm: No troop withdrawal for hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejects Hamas' conditions for ending the war in the Gaza Strip. Israel will not agree to withdraw troops in exchange for the release of hostages. The war will continue until Hamas is destroyed.
What do you need to know?
- Israel will not agree to Hamas' conditions: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not accept Hamas' demands to end the war in exchange for the release of hostages and withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
- Ongoing war: A cease-fire had been in effect since January 19, but it was broken on March 18 due to a lack of agreement on extending the truce.
- Hostage situation: The Israeli army reports that 24 hostages remain in captivity, and Hamas does not guarantee their safety.
Why does Israel refuse Hamas' conditions?
In his speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed strong opposition to Hamas' demands. "If we capitulate to the dictates of Hamas now, all the great achievements of the war, which we achieved with the merit of our soldiers and our fallen and our heroic injured, all these achievements will disappear," Netanyahu said. Israel does not intend to back down, as it believes that such action could encourage other terrorist groups to take similar measures.
What are the social reactions in Israel?
Regular anti-government demonstrations are taking place in Israel. Protesters accuse the prime minister of resuming military operations for political reasons and ignoring the fate of the hostages. According to a survey from the end of March, 69 percent of Israelis support ending the war in exchange for the release of all hostages. "Ending the war under these surrender conditions will send a message to all of Israel's enemies that by kidnapping Israelis, the state of Israel can be brought to its knees. It can be defeated," Netanyahu emphasized.
What about the hostages?
The Israeli army reports that 24 hostages are alive in captivity and the bodies of 35 abductees are being held. Hamas had previously stated that they are not responsible for their safety.
On Saturday, it was announced that the body of a slain militant who was guarding one of the abductees, Edan Alexander, was found, while the fate of the hostage himself is unknown. Alexander is a citizen of both Israel and the U.S.
