Netanyahu: We Want a Civil Administration in Gaza Without Hamas or the Authority

SadaNews - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel "does not want to occupy Gaza but to liberate it".

Netanyahu stated during a press conference from Jerusalem on Sunday, "Our goal is to get rid of Hamas," emphasizing that Israel wants to disarm the movement and release the hostages.

He also added, "We want a civil administration in Gaza, neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority," continuing, "We have partners for civil governance in the Gaza Strip."

"It Will Be Quick"

Netanyahu further indicated that Israel is "forced" to continue the military operation in Gaza due to Hamas's refusal to disarm, noting that "the war in Gaza has lasted longer than it should have."

He went on to say that Israel controls 75% of Gaza and believes that "the best way to end the war is through complete control of the strip."

He clarified that "the operation to control Gaza will be quick."

"5 Principles"

This comes after the Israeli ministerial security cabinet approved early Friday a plan to control the heavily damaged city of Gaza due to the war.

Netanyahu's office reported that the new plan for controlling Gaza includes "5 principles to end the war: disarming Hamas, returning all prisoners - alive and dead, disarming the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over Gaza, and establishing an alternative civil administration that is not affiliated with either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority."