Netanyahu: Israel will not end the war in Gaza.. and will remain in the Philadelphia Corridor

(CNN) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not “give in to Hamas’ demands” to end the war in Gaza as a condition for a ceasefire​​​​​​ spread

A statement issued by Netanyahu’s office on Sunday confirmed that “the Prime Minister strongly insists on this basic demand, which is essential to achieve the goals of the war, and Hamas has changed its position.”

Netanyahu also wants to stay in the Philadelphia Corridor, a border strip between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, “to prevent terrorist elements from rebuilding.”

The Israeli statement said, “The Prime Minister will continue to work to advance an agreement that will increase the number of living hostages and enable the achievement of all war objectives.”

Netanyahu’s statements come after a statement by Hamas in which he blamed the Israeli Prime Minister for “obstructing” an agreement.

Hamas said in its statement: “After listening to the mediators about the last round of talks in Doha, it became clear to us again that Netanyahu is still putting obstacles to reaching an agreement, and setting new conditions and demands with the aim of hindering it. the efforts of the mediators and prolonging the war.”

Hamas said, “The new proposal meets Netanyahu’s conditions and is consistent with them, especially rejecting a permanent ceasefire and withdrawing completely from the Gaza Strip, and request that it continue at the Netzarim Junction, the Rafah Crossing, and the Philadelphia. passage.

Hamas continued: “We hold Netanyahu fully responsible for blocking the efforts of the mediators and obstructing an agreement, and fully responsible for the lives of his soldiers who exposed to the same threat that our people face, due to the continuous attack and deliberate targeting. of all aspects of life in the Gaza Strip.”

Hamas confirmed that it wants to implement the three-stage proposal submitted by US President Joe Biden last May, which includes the release of hostages from Gaza, ” ​​​​​​a full and comprehensive cease-fire,” and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The group called on the mediators to “force the profession to implement this plan”.