Gaza [Palestine], May 17: Reuters on May 16 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that "as long as Hamas exists, no other party will enter Gaza to manage the civilian aspects, especially the Palestinian Authority", and said that post-conflict conflict, Israel will maintain overall security control over the area.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made it clear that he opposes Israel controlling the Gaza Strip after the war ends. "I call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to make a decision and declare that Israel will not establish civilian control over the Gaza Strip, that Israel will not establish military administration in the Gaza Strip, and that an alternative administration for Hamas in the Gaza Strip to come to power immediately," according to CNN quoting Mr. Gallant.
As for Hamas, leader Ismail Haniyeh said that any post-war plan for Gaza without Hamas's participation would be rejected. "We affirm that Hamas is still here, and it is we and all Palestinian groups who will decide who rules after the war in Gaza," according to The Times of Israel, quoting Mr. Haniyeh. In addition, Hamas leaders also criticized Israel for the deadlock in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
In related developments, the US military said on May 16 that the wharf in Gaza had been completed, ready to transport emergency humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. Previously, Israel closed the Rafah border in southern Gaza bordering Egypt, as well as limited the supply of goods through the Karem Abu Salem border gate from Israel into Gaza.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
