It’s been over 100 days since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. However, despite the calls for a cease-fire, the Israeli military continues its bombardment of the neighboring Gaza Strip. The conflict, now the deadliest between Israel and Hamas since 1948, shows no signs of letting up soon.
Also, the brief cease-fire that saw over 100 hostages freed from Gaza remains a distant memory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday, January 21, 2024, that Sgt. Shay Levinson, who was a hostage, died in battle on October 7, 2023. However, they claim the Gaza Strip is holding his body hostage.
Also, Israeli officials say over 532 IDF soldiers have died, including 195, since the ground operations in Gaza began. Consequently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will “continue the war on all fronts and in all sectors.”
“We do not give immunity to any terrorist,” Netanyahu said in a statement written in Hebrew on Sunday. “Not in Gaza, not in Lebanon, not in Syria, and not anywhere.” The prime minister added, “Whoever tries to hurt us, we hurt him.” In addition, Netanyahu said he’s working to secure the return of all the hostages “around the clock.”
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However, he added, “But to be clear, I reject outright the terms of surrender of the monsters of Hamas.” Furthermore, Netanyahu revealed he had a conversation with US President Joe Biden last weekend. According to Netanyahu, during the conversation, he emphasized “determination to complete all war objectives.”
In his statement, the prime minister said he would “ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.” Also, Netanyahu said he plans to achieve total victory and eliminate all factors of terrorism in Hamas. “That is why I insist that after we achieve complete victory after we eliminate Hamas,” Netanyahu said.
“There will be no factor in Gaza that finances terrorism, educator of terrorism or courier of terrorism.” Netanyahu also insisted on getting Gaza under the control of Israel to prevent future attacks. “Gaza must be demilitarized, under the full security control of the State of Israel,” he said.
“I will not compromise on full Israeli security control over all the territory west of Jordan.” Furthermore, Netanyahu said he would stand “firmly” against the establishment of a Palestinian state as long as he is prime minister. However, according to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, Biden believes in a two-state solution.
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“The president still believes in the promise and the possibility of a two-state solution,” Kirby said. “He recognizes that it’s going to take a lot of hard work. It’s going to take a lot of leadership there in the region, particularly on both sides of the issue.” He added, “And the United States stands firmly committed to eventually seeing that outcome.”
Kirby said, “We’re not going to agree on everything.” Also, he added that Netanyahu’s comments will not change Biden’s “strong conviction.” Kirby noted that the president firmly believes “the best long-term solution for regional security is a free, independent Palestinian state.”
Since the Israel-Hamas war began, health officials estimate that over 25,000 people have died in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 62,681 people have sustained injuries since the attack began. Hence, several pro-Palestinian protesters have called for a cease-fire.
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