By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-19 11:28:05
During a press conference on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that Israel adamantly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state. He stated that he had informed the United States, a key ally, that Israel would reject the revival of the two-state solution, even after the conflict with Palestine concludes. Netanyahu emphasized the need for Israel to have security control over all territory west of the Jordan River, regardless of any future settlement. He asserted that this condition is non-negotiable and contradictory to the idea of Palestinian sovereignty. The Israeli leader expressed his commitment to safeguarding Israel’s security and resisted any attempt to impose a reality that would jeopardize it.
In response to Netanyahu’s statements, the White House’s National Security spokesman, John Kirby, expressed a differing perspective.
In Tel Aviv, Israelis gathered to commemorate the first birthday of Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage believed to be held in Gaza alongside his parents and brother. The Bibas family’s whereabouts remain uncertain, as Hamas previously claimed they had been killed but provided no evidence to support their statement. Israel’s objective includes the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza, and Netanyahu pledged to continue the offensive in Gaza until achieving complete victory.
There have been reports of a medical aid delivery entering Gaza as part of an agreement brokered by Qatar and France. This marks the first agreed-upon aid shipment between Israel and Hamas and signifies progress following the end of a short-lived truce on December 1. However, aid workers have highlighted the challenges of delivering aid, particularly due to a prolonged communications blackout.
Netanyahu’s remarks and the ongoing situation with the Bibas family and aid delivery underscore the continued complexities and tensions surrounding the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
