Israel Says to Continue Gaza War in 2024, Rejects Ceasefire Calls
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Israel military said it will continue to wage war in Gaza throughout 2024, emphasizing a strategic shift to manage troops and alleviate the economy, while dismissing calls for a ceasefire amid rising casualties.
Israel military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Sunday the regime will prolong the war in Gaza within the year, unveiling a shift to what he called the “smart” management while withdrawing five reservist brigades from combat. The move aims to ease economic strain while preparing for an enduring conflict.
“The goals of the war require lengthy fighting, and we are prepared accordingly,” he said.
The Zionist regime’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, echoed this sentiment during a Saturday press conference, warning of extended months of conflict ahead.
Despite international pleas for a ceasefire, the regime in Tel Aviv staunchly rejected them as the death toll in Gaza surged. The enclave's health ministry reported over 21,800 Palestinian deaths and 56,000 severely wounded since the October 7 attack, with 85% of its 2.3 million residents displaced due to Israel's AI-enhanced bombing campaign.
The US, consistently backing Israel, vetoed UN Security Council resolutions demanding a ceasefire. However, disagreements arose between Washington and Israel regarding Gaza's future governance. Netanyahu emphasized continued Israeli control, while the US advocated for Palestinian Authority management.
Netanyahu's administration adamantly opposes Palestinian statehood, a stance evident in his obstruction of peace talks. The Israeli finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, proposed encouraging Palestinian migration from Gaza, aiming to reestablish dismantled Jewish settlements from 2005. Smotrich suggested a significant shift in the discourse surrounding Gaza's future if 90% of its Arab inhabitants chose to leave.
In response to the proposal, an official from Netanyahu's office denied intentions to displace Gaza's population. However, a leaked government document from the previous month proposed mass relocation of Gaza's residents to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, alarming both Palestinians and Egyptians.
