Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a significant shift in the country's approach to Gaza, stating that the next phase of the ceasefire will be focused on "disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip."
Netanyahu's comments came after the release of the last Israeli captive held in Gaza, sparking hopes for improved relations between Israel and the Palestinian territories. However, Netanyahu's statement has raised concerns among humanitarian groups and international observers that the next phase will prioritize security measures over reconstruction efforts.
"The next phase is not reconstruction," Netanyahu said, emphasizing that Israel's focus will be on dismantling Hamas's military capabilities and reducing the Gaza Strip's militarization. This approach is seen as a departure from previous phases of the ceasefire, which have centered on rebuilding damaged infrastructure and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza residents.
Critics argue that demilitarizing the Gaza Strip would severely limit the ability of Palestinians to defend themselves against Israeli aggression, while also undermining efforts to establish a stable and peaceful environment in the region.
Netanyahu's comments came after the release of the last Israeli captive held in Gaza, sparking hopes for improved relations between Israel and the Palestinian territories. However, Netanyahu's statement has raised concerns among humanitarian groups and international observers that the next phase will prioritize security measures over reconstruction efforts.
"The next phase is not reconstruction," Netanyahu said, emphasizing that Israel's focus will be on dismantling Hamas's military capabilities and reducing the Gaza Strip's militarization. This approach is seen as a departure from previous phases of the ceasefire, which have centered on rebuilding damaged infrastructure and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza residents.
Critics argue that demilitarizing the Gaza Strip would severely limit the ability of Palestinians to defend themselves against Israeli aggression, while also undermining efforts to establish a stable and peaceful environment in the region.