A senior Hamas official, Khaled Mashaal, has expressed opposition to a two-state solution and rejected the recognition of Israel. Instead, he advocated for a Palestinian state that encompasses the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and all of Israel, reaching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. He further stated that Palestinians are not interested in improving their lives under occupation. Mashaal, who is based in Qatar, also spoke about Hamas’ military strength and showed no remorse for the deaths and devastation caused by the recent militant assault in Gaza, claiming that there was no freedom in the region.
President Biden’s abortion rally disrupted by repeated protests over Gaza Developments:
∎ Israeli ground forces have encircled the southern city of Khan Younis, the second largest city in Gaza, forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee farther south.
∎ The foreign minister of Jordan accused Israel of disregarding international law and called for accountability for its actions and war crimes.
Netanyahu says no to a Palestinian state, won’t give in to ‘Hamas monsters’: Updates
Hamas reportedly rejects Israeli cease-fire plan Pressure was mounting for the Israeli government to negotiate a hostage deal, following the deadliest single attack on its forces since the war began, carried out by Palestinian militants. However, Hamas has reportedly rejected a two-month cease-fire proposed by Israel, which would have included the release of over 130 hostages held by militants and thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. The proposed deal also involved allowing Hamas leaders in Gaza to relocate to other countries. Despite this, there are indications that Hamas is open to discussions regarding the release of some captives in exchange for a significant pause in the fighting.
The Wall Street Journal Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack while preparing to demolish two buildings outside Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the soldiers and vowed to press ahead until “absolute victory,” including crushing Hamas and freeing more hostages.
Contributing: The Associated Press
