GAZA CITY: Hamas on Monday declared that there is “no chance” for the release of around 130 Israeli hostages, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of the resistance group’s proposed conditions to end the ongoing conflict in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu, in a video address, outlined the group’s demands, which included the end of the ongoing relentless bombardment, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of convicted Palestinian civilians. The Israeli Prime Minister firmly rejected what he deemed as the “terms of surrender” presented by Hamas.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, responded to Netanyahu’s refusal by stating that the rejection of ending the military offensive meant “there is no chance for the return of the Israeli captives” taken during the group’s October 7 attack. The hostages were part of a larger group held during the attack, with over 100 persons previously released under a deal brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt in late November.
Israel Opposes Two-State Solution
Netanyahu, facing mounting pressure to secure the release of the remaining hostages, has taken a strong stance on the issue of Palestinian statehood, declaring, “I will not compromise on full Israeli security control of all territory west of the Jordan River.” The statement follows discussions with US President Joe Biden, who suggested potential solutions for the creation of an independent Palestinian state, a concept that Netanyahu opposes.
As the hostage situation intensifies, relatives of those still held by Hamas staged a protest outside Netanyahu’s residence, demanding immediate action. The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum urged the prime minister to advance the deal and not abandon those held in the October attack. Netanyahu, undeterred by international and internal pressures, reiterated his stance on maintaining “full Israeli security control over all the territory west of Jordan”.
