Netanyahu stands firm against pressure for Palestinian state in Israel-Gaza conflict

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has once again emphasized that Israel should maintain security control over all Palestinian territories, opposing the establishment of a future Palestinian state. This stance contradicts the pressure from the United States and other nations for Israel to commit to future Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden discussed the future of the Palestinian territories in a recent call, further deepening the divide between the two governments on the issue of governance of Gaza and the West Bank. While the US believes in a two-state solution, Netanyahu reiterated his long-held position that Israel must retain security control even after the destruction of Hamas. The Israeli prime minister's remarks have dashed hopes of restarting diplomatic negotiations and reviving the peace process amid the ongoing Gaza crisis. Moreover, Netanyahu is facing increasing isolation abroad and growing unpopularity domestically, with protests demanding the safe return of the hostages held by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to conduct operations in southern Gaza, targeting top Hamas officials believed to be hiding in Khan Younis. The conflict's death toll has now reached approximately 25,000 according to the Hamas-run health ministry.