Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Responds to International Calls for Ceasefire
Date: May 19, 2025
Location: Jerusalem
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong statement on Monday in response to calls from international leaders in the United Kingdom, Canada, and France to halt Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and support the creation of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu asserted that such proposals would reward violent aggression and undermine Israel’s right to defend itself. He referenced the October 7, 2023, attack, during which Hamas militants crossed into Israeli territory, killing around 1,200 civilians and abducting more than 250 individuals.
“Calling on Israel to stop a defensive war for its survival before Hamas is dismantled, and proposing a Palestinian state under current conditions, offers a dangerous incentive for the atrocities committed on October 7,” Netanyahu said.
He added that Israel supports the peace framework proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which includes the demilitarization of Gaza, the surrender of Hamas, and the release of remaining hostages.
“This conflict could end immediately if all hostages are returned, Hamas disarms, its leadership is removed, and Gaza is fully demilitarized. No sovereign nation would accept anything less—and neither will Israel,” he emphasized.
Describing the conflict as a struggle between “civilization and barbarism,” Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s intention to continue its military campaign until what he termed “total victory” is achieved.
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