‘This is a time for war’: Israel rejects UN plea for ceasefire
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Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday compared his country’s continuing war in Gaza to the US reaction after the Pearl Harbour attack in 1941 and the September 11 terror attacks in 2001, saying "This is a time for war".
Israeli ground forces advanced two miles into Gaza with the reported goal of securing the release of 232 hostages of various nationalities, according to reports.
In clarifying Israel's position on the ceasefire, Netanyahu emphasized that just as the US wouldn't agree to a ceasefire after the bombing of Pearl Harbour or the attacks on 9/11, Israel wouldn't agree to a cessation of hostilities with Hamas after the attacks of October 7. The spokesperson firmly rejected calls for a ceasefire or surrender to Hamas, stating that it's a time for war.
When questioned about the possibility of stepping down, Netanyahu expressed that the only resignation would be that of Hamas, aiming to consign them to the dustbin of history.
The UN warned of deteriorating civil order in Gaza after weeks of siege and bombardment, with people resorting to breaking into warehouses for essentials. President Biden urged Netanyahu to increase humanitarian aid flow into Gaza.
Hamas released a video showing three women believed to be captives since the October 7 attack. Israel dismissed talks of progress in hostage negotiations.
The US pressed Israel to ensure communication networks in Gaza remain operational and restore essential services. Netanyahu denied claims of civilian casualties, attributing them to Hamas preventing civilians from leaving conflict areas. Israel aimed to minimize civilian casualties by calling for evacuation to a safe zone.
Around 150 aid trucks entered Gaza since the gate opened, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to increase daily deliveries. New Israeli leaflets urged civilians to evacuate a "battlefield" in northern and central Gaza.
An Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas was released during ground operations in Gaza, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
