Israel’s Prime Minister Has Rejected Calls For A Ceasefire, Saying “This Is A Time For War”
“Calls for a ceasefire or calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorists, surrender to barbarism. That will not happen.”
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, saying “this is a time for war”.
Addressing growing calls for a ceasefire, Netanyahu said on Monday Oct. 30 that Israel will not agree to a cessation of hostilities with Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,400 Israelis.
It is currently holding about 200 Israelis hostage as it calls on Israel to release the roughly 6,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
In response to the attack, Israel declared war on Hamas and has since been pummelling Gaza, controlled by Hamas, with relentless retaliatory airstrikes that have killed at least 8,252 Palestinians, including more than 3,500 children.
Israel has placed Gaza under a “complete siege”, blocking the entry of food, water, electricity and fuel.
“Calls for a ceasefire or calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorists, surrender to barbarism. That will not happen,” Netanyahu said.
He cited the bible, saying that there is a time for peace and a time for war, adding that “this is a time for war.”
“Israel will stand against the forces of barbarism until victory,” he added.
When asked by reporters if he would resign, Netanyahu said the only thing he would resign is Hamas.
“We’re going to resign them to the dustbin of history. That’s my goal. That’s my responsibility,” he said.
Netanyahu’s response comes after the United Nations general assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to allow aid to enter.
