Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel has no intention of permanently holding Gaza but laid out five conditions for ending the war, APA reports.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem after ordering the expansion of military operations, Netanyahu repeated his claim that the goal is to “liberate” Gaza from Hamas.
Netanyahu said the war could end immediately if Hamas lays down its arms and releases all hostages. He insisted that controlling the remaining 25% of Gaza is essential for Israel’s security and for eliminating Hamas.
Five conditions for cease-fire
Netanyahu’s conditions for ending the conflict are:
- Complete disarmament of Hamas.
- Release of all hostages.
- Demilitarization of Gaza.
- Israel’s overriding security control.
- Establishment of a peaceful, non-Israeli civilian administration.
He also pledged to set up secure corridors and increase aid drop points in Gaza to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
