Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israel will continue military operations in Gaza even if a ceasefire or prisoner swap deal is reached with Hamas.
The Israeli government stressed that any resolution allowing Hamas to remain in control of Gaza would be unacceptable, and that discussions about the future governance of the Strip are ongoing.
Netanyahu’s office clarified that under his leadership, neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority would hold civilian control in Gaza, including over the distribution of humanitarian aid.
Reports suggest that Israel is pursuing a partial deal, which would not include a full ceasefire or withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, contrary to Hamas’s conditions for an agreement.
While there were talks earlier this month about a potential deal mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, the likelihood of a ceasefire remains uncertain, with little progress reported.
