Netanyahu Rejects Hamas's Condition for 'Surrender' in Exchange for Hostage Release

Israeli media reported on Sunday, January 21, that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, announced in a statement that Israel completely rejects Hamas's request for 'surrender' in exchange for the release of the remaining 136 hostages in Gaza. The Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu as saying, 'We have brought home 110 hostages so far and are committed to bringing them all back. I am working on this issue day and night. But let me be clear: I completely reject the conditions for surrender from the monsters of Hamas.' According to the report, the Israeli Prime Minister further stated that Hamas demands an end to the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of all murderers and attackers against our forces, and the preservation of Hamas's status in exchange for the release of the hostages. Netanyahu said accepting Hamas's request would mean that 'Israeli soldiers died in vain and we cannot guarantee security for our citizens. We cannot return the displaced to their homes, and October 7 will only be a matter of time.' He mentioned that he clarified Israel's positions on this matter to Joe Biden, the President of the United States, during their conversation over the weekend. Haaretz also reported that Netanyahu emphasized that 'Gaza must be demilitarized under full Israeli security control. I will not compromise on Israel's complete security control from the west bank of the Jordan River.' According to the report, the Israeli Prime Minister added that his insistence 'despite internal and international pressures has prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state that threatens Israel's existence.' The Israeli TV network i24 News also reported that Netanyahu, amidst targeted attacks on senior terrorist leaders in the region, stated, 'We will continue the war on all fronts. We will not grant immunity to any terrorist; neither in Gaza, nor in Lebanon, nor in Syria, nor anywhere else. Anyone who harms us will be harmed.' The Israeli Prime Minister reiterated his longstanding position since the onset of Hamas's attacks on October 7, which killed at least 1,200 people and took about 240 hostages, stating that the war will continue until Hamas is eradicated. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. A report from the Wall Street Journal discussed a three-phase plan by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to end the war in Gaza. Five members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed in an attack in Damascus; the deputy intelligence chief of the Quds Force was among the dead. The Secretary-General of the United Nations stated that the right of Palestinians to establish their own state must be recognized by all. Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to Palestinian sovereignty over Gaza after the war. A knowledgeable source from the phone conversation between Biden and Netanyahu stated that the Israeli Prime Minister does not reject a two-state solution. The European Union is making efforts to mediate peace between Israel and the Arabs and Palestinians. Biden and Netanyahu had a phone call; John Kirby stated that the U.S. still opposes a general ceasefire.