2024-01-22 08:10:32
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. yunhap news
Negotiations are struggling to find a solution as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ conditions for the release of hostages.
According to the Guardian on the 21st (local time), Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to end military operations in the Gaza Strip means “there is absolutely no possibility of the return of the estimated 130 Israeli hostages.” He said.
Prime Minister Netanyahu earlier said in a statement that he rejected Hamas’ demands for the release of hostages. “Hamas’ demands include the withdrawal of our troops from Gaza, the release of all murderers and rapists, and even leaving Hamas alone,” he said, adding, “I directly reject the terms of surrender of the Hamas monsters.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu also maintained his opposition to the so-called ‘two-state solution’, saying, “I will not compromise on Israel’s complete security control over all territory west of the Jordan River.”
Not only the international community, but also the United States, which supports Israel in this war, supports a two-state solution as a post-war plan that centers on the establishment of a Palestinian state and respect for the sovereignty of both sides with Israel.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed that he cannot accept this solution by revealing Israel’s policy of controlling not only the Gaza Strip but also the entire area west of the Jordan River, including the West Bank.
Israel and Hamas exchanged Israeli hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners imprisoned in Israel through a week-long temporary ceasefire at the end of November last year. However, negotiations between the two sides for the release of additional hostages are reportedly facing difficulties due to Hamas’ demand for a complete ceasefire and Israel’s refusal.
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