Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ conditions to end war, release hostages

On Sunday, Jan. 21, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected conditions presented by Hamas to end the war and release more than 130 hostages that remain in Gaza. Hamas proposed that Israel completely withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip, leaving the terrorist group in power.

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Netanyahu responded to the Hamas proposal in a statement.

“In exchange for the release of our hostages, Hamas demands the end of the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of all the murderers and rapists,” Netanyahu said. “I reject outright the terms of surrender of the monsters of Hamas.”

Families of the hostages taken by Hamas held a protest outside of Netanyahu’s home, demanding he take action to bring all of them home. A senior Hamas official speaking to Reuters said Netanyahu’s refusal to end its operations in Gaza “means there is no chance for the return of the (Israeli) captives.”

The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum called on Netanyahu to vow that he will not abandon civilians and Israeli military members who have been taken captive by the terrorist organization.

“We must advance the deal now,” the group said in a statement. “If the prime minister decides to sacrifice the hostages, he should show leadership and honestly share his position with the Israeli public.”

Netanyahu is facing international pressure to end the war. On Sunday, Jan. 21, he reaffirmed his stance that Israel should be in control over Gaza after the fighting ends, despite speaking with President Biden, who pressed the prime minister on working toward a two-state solution during a call two days earlier.