Calls To End Gaza War Boosting Hamas, Says Netanyahu As Protests Grow Against Offensive
Netanyahu hit back against widespread protests in Israel demanding an end to the conflict and the release of all hostages, saying they were boosting Hamas' position.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday slammed protesters calling for an end to the war with Hamas in Gaza, saying they were effectively boosting the position of the Palestinian group in negotiations.
He was referring to demonstrators across Israel calling for an end to the Gaza war and a deal to release hostages still held by Hamas militants, more than a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to capture Gaza City.
'Those calling today for an end to the war without the defeat of Hamas not only harden Hamas's position and draw out the release of our hostages, but also ensure that the horrors of October 7 will reoccur," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday, according to a statement from his office.
'We insist that not only must Hamas be disarmed, but also that Israel will enforce the demilitarisation of the Strip over time by continuous action against any attempt at rearmament and reorganisation by any terrorist element whatsoever," he said, adding that Hamas is demanding Israeli removal from Gaza so that it can 'reorganise, rearm and attack us again".
Netanyahu defended the Security Cabinet's decision to occupy Gaza City, saying Israel is determined to implement it. 'Therefore, both to advance the release of our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will never again constitute a threat to Israel, we must complete the work and defeat Hamas."
Netanyahu's remarks came after widespread protests were held across Israel, calling for an end to the war and the release of hostages. Demonstrators also blocked roads, including the highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where they set tires on fire, according to local media footage.
At least 30 protesters were arrested for disturbing public order. Organisers also called for a general strike on Sunday. A huge Israeli flag covered with portraits of the remaining captives was unfurled in Tel Aviv's so-called Hostage Square, a focal point for protests during the 22-month war. At least 49 hostages remain in Gaza, including 27 Israel says are deceased.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group said in a statement that protesters would 'shut down the country today (Sunday) with one clear call: Bring back the 50 hostages, end the war". This came after videos released by Hamas and its allied militant groups heightened concern for the fate of the hostages.
Israeli plans to expand military operations into Gaza City and surrounding refugee camps have triggered both international condemnation and growing domestic criticism. UN-supported experts have raised alarms about a deepening famine across the region, where Israel has significantly restricted the flow of humanitarian aid.
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