Netanyahu: Hamas Seeks Ceasefire to Maintain Control Over Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee that Hamas’s primary goal in seeking a ceasefire is to ensure Israeli forces leave Gaza, allowing the group to regain power. Netanyahu emphasized that while Israel has delivered significant military strikes against Hamas, their ruling capabilities in Gaza remain intact. He also instructed for a plan to replace Hamas in distributing humanitarian aid to Gaza by Thursday.

Regarding Hezbollah, Netanyahu expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon, reiterating Israel’s demand for “freedom of action” to address threats from the militant group.