Israel's Netanyahu rejects Hamas ceasefire demand, opposes Palestinian statehood
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement on Sunday in which he said he stressed in his conversation with US President Joe Biden on Friday that he rejects Hamas demands for a cease-fire, Israeli forces' withdrawal and the release of Palestinians held by Israel in exchange for the remaining hostages.
He said that agreeing means another Oct. 7-style attack “would only be a matter of time.”
Netanyahu also has rejected calls from the US, its closest ally, for postwar plans that would include a path to Palestinian statehood, stating that he aims to ensure that Gaza will "no longer post a threat to Israel."