Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected U.S. President Joe Biden’s suggestion of Palestinian sovereignty in post-war Gaza, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office. This comes as a protest outside the prime minister’s home grows, with families of the remaining hostages held by Hamas demanding bold action to secure their release. The situation puts Netanyahu under pressure from both his right-wing coalition and the United States, with calls for intensified military action against Hamas conflicting with calls for restraint.
Netanyahu’s office stated that his position on post-war Gaza remains unchanged, emphasizing the need for Israel to retain security control over the territory. This requirement contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty. Biden, on the other hand, mentioned that there are various types of two-state solutions and that it is not impossible with Netanyahu in office.
The refusal to accept a two-state solution and deny Palestinian statehood is deemed unacceptable by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He believes that this refusal will indefinitely prolong the conflict. While Netanyahu has called for “complete victory” over Hamas, he has not provided details on how this will be achieved. Former Israeli army chief Gadi Eisenkot, a member of Israel’s War Cabinet, has suggested that a cease-fire is the only way to secure the release of the hostages, implying criticism of Israel’s current strategy.
Critics have accused Netanyahu of stalling a Cabinet-level debate on a post-war scenario for Gaza to prevent conflict within his coalition. The ongoing offensive against Hamas has resulted in significant destruction and displacement in Gaza, with over 80% of the population displaced and an Israeli blockade causing widespread hunger and disease outbreaks.
Netanyahu insists that military means are the only way to secure the hostages’ return. While over 100 hostages were released during a brief cease-fire in November, more than 130 are believed to still be held in Gaza. Protests have erupted outside Netanyahu’s home, with families demanding action and expressing frustration with the lack of progress.
The war between Israel and Hamas has had wider implications in the region, with Iranian-backed groups attacking U.S. and Israeli targets. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon are escalating, and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are targeting international shipping. Recent strikes by Israel on Syria’s capital and near the Lebanese port city of Tyre have further heightened tensions.
In Gaza, heavy bombardment and fighting between militants and Israeli troops have been reported in Khan Younis and the Jabaliya refugee camp. Many families have been forced to leave their homes, which have been reduced to rubble. The situation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is also volatile, with mourners gathering for the funeral of a 17-year-old American Palestinian who was shot and killed near Ramallah.
The Biden administration has expressed concern about the growing volatility in the West Bank in recent months. The situation remains tense, with Netanyahu facing pressure from various sides and the conflict showing no signs of resolution.
