Ending the war in Gaza would keep Hamas in power, Israel's prime minister said on Sunday, rejecting Hamas' demands. Israeli Defense Minister Joav Galant, in turn, accused Hamas of sending signals suggesting that it does not take the possibility of concluding a truce seriously. He added that in such a case, Israel would launch a military operation in Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Strip “in the near future.”
– Although Israel shows good will, Hamas persists in its extreme position, including the demand to withdraw our forces from the Gaza Strip, end the war and leave Hamas in power – said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, quoted by Reuters. – Israel cannot accept this – added the politician.
According to Netanyahu, meeting the demands of the Palestinian terrorist group would pose a threat to Israel, whose authorities, however, are ready to stop the fighting in order for Hamas to release the hostages.
Israeli tanks at the border with the Gaza Strip ABIR SULTAN/PAP
Israeli Defense Minister Joav Galant, in turn, accused Hamas of sending signals suggesting that it does not take the possibility of concluding a truce seriously. He added that in such a case, Israel would launch a military operation in Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Strip “in the near future.”
Netanyahu's government also decided on Sunday to close the operations of the Qatari television station Al-Jazeera in Israel, reports Reuters. Earlier, the Israeli parliament passed legislation that allows for the temporary suspension of foreign broadcasters deemed to be a threat to national security.
Hamas leaders, who are currently holding ceasefire talks in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, have accused Israel of sabotaging mediation efforts for a truce in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas fired on the border crossing
The Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas on Sunday accepted responsibility for shelling the Kerem Shalom border crossing, the main point through which humanitarian aid was transported from Israel to the Gaza Strip, local media reported.
At least seven people were injured, some – according to media reports – are in serious condition. The I24 website claims that up to 10 Israelis may be injured.
The Israeli army reported that 10 mortar shells were fired from the area of the city of Rafah in the south of the Strip, Reuters reported. After the shelling, Israel closed the crossing.
Israeli army at the border with the Gaza Strip PAP/EPA/ABIR SULTAN
Israel's war with Hamas
Israel's war with Hamas has been going on since October 7, 2023, when Palestinian terrorists attacked the Jewish state. More than 1,200 people were killed in the attack and 253 were kidnapped. According to the Gaza Strip's Ministry of Health, approximately 35,000 people died as a result of Israel's retaliatory military actions. people.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/ABIR SULTAN