New Government in Gaza May Be Formed Next Year If Hamas Cuts Its Weapons

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes a new government can be formed in the Gaza Strip, Palestine next year on the condition that the Hamas group disarms itself.

"A new government in Gaza may be formed if you disarm Hamas, because no one will go there if Hamas remains armed," Netanyahu said in an interview with Fox News, as quoted by TASS (31/12).

"If we disarm Hamas, either by international force or in some other way, yes, I see a different future for Gaza," he said, adding it remained the only step that needed to be taken.

As previously reported, Netanyahu stressed that the Hamas militant group must surrender all its weapons and tunnel infrastructure so that the US-backed peace plan in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, can run smoothly.

In an interview with Fox News about what is complicating the transition to the second phase of the plan, Netanyahu replied, "One word: disarmament," adding "Hamas is committed to disarming" but "refuses to do so," as reported by The Times of Israel.

"Everyone understands that. I think Hamas understands that. That's why they don't want to do it," Netanyahu said.

"The point here is not to negotiate with Hamas. That's not his job," he said.

According to Netanyahu, the Palestinian militant group must "disappear." And you know who wants it more than anyone else? "The people of Gaza," said the Israeli Prime Minister.

It is known that Netanyahu was in the US to meet with President Donald Trump at his residence in Mar-a-Lago Florida on December 29.