2023-10-30 21:57:17
As an example, Netanyahu cited an attack by British pilots on the Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen during World War II. At that time, the pilots “blundered”, missed the target and ultimately killed dozens of children. “This is nothing to blame Britain for. This was a legitimate act of war with tragic consequences that accompany such legitimate acts,” Netanyahu said Monday evening.
The Allies fought the war to the end despite the tragic consequences. Netanyahu said they knew that the future of civilization was at stake. “Well, I’m telling you now that the future of our civilization is at stake.”
He again refused to interrupt the fighting. The aim is to destroy the radical Islamic Hamas, he explained at a press conference. He acknowledged that in every war there are unwanted civilian casualties. Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip is a battle between “civilization and barbarism.” He called on allies to support Israel. For him, a ceasefire would be a surrender to Hamas terror.
“Just as the United States would not agree to a ceasefire after the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the September 11 terrorist attack, Israel will not agree to a halt to fighting with Hamas after the terrible attacks of October 7,” Netanyahu further told reporters. “Calls for Israel to agree to a ceasefire are calls to capitulate to Hamas, to terrorism, to barbarism. That will not happen.”
Netanyahu further said: “Every civilized nation should stand with Israel and demand the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.” A line is now drawn “between the forces of civilization and the forces of barbarism.”
He hopes for the support of civilized countries. “Because Israel’s fight is your fight. Because if the axis of evil of Hamas and Iran wins, you will be the next target. Therefore, Israel’s victory will be your victory.” Hamas will be thrown into the “dustbin of history.”
Netanyahu said military officials shared the assessment that Israel’s ground operation in Gaza could make the hostages’ release more likely. “Hamas won’t do it unless they’re under pressure.”
Regarding civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, he said this could be prevented if people went to a safe zone in the south, as Israel demanded. “Not a single civilian has to die,” Netanyahu said. He again accused the Islamist Hamas of preventing people from leaving the north of the coastal strip. However, the Israeli Air Force also attacks targets in the south, which also resulted in fatalities.
The US State Department, meanwhile, called on Israel to stop violence against Palestinians by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank. Measures must be taken to protect the Palestinian residents. It was made clear to the Israeli government that the settlers’ attacks were unacceptable and that they must be held accountable.
The release of all Americans and foreign citizens was also demanded. So far, Hamas is only willing to let all of the more than 200 hostages go if Israel releases around 6,000 Palestinian prisoners in return.
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