Netanyahu says Palestinian Authority won't control Gaza as long as he is prime minister

"As long as I am Prime Minister — this will not happen. Whoever educates their children for terror, funds terror and supports families of terrorists, could not control Gaza after we eradicate Hamas," Netanyahu said.

The comments from the Israeli Prime Minister came after the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, expressed readiness to assume control in Gaza and the West Bank of the Jordan River.

Backstory

Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden asserted that the Palestinian Authority should govern the Gaza Strip and the West Bank after the end of the war.

"As we strive for peace, Gaza and the West Bank should be reunited under a single governance structure, ultimately under a revitalized Palestinian Authority, as we all work toward a two-state solution," said Biden.

Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the idea, arguing that the Palestinian Authority, in its current form, is "not competent to take responsibility over Gaza."

In December, Politico reported that officials in the U.S. President's administration had devised a multi-stage plan envisioning the transfer of control over the Gaza Strip to the renewed administration of Palestinian autonomy.

Israel-Gaza war

On October 7, Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing and kidnapping not only military personnel but also civilians. Israel was regularly shelled from the Gaza Strip. In response, Tel Aviv launched operations against terrorists and conducted offensive activities in the Gaza Strip.

A temporary ceasefire began between Israel and Hamas on November 24. The parties agreed to a four-day cessation of hostilities but decided to extend it by two more days on the condition that militants would release more hostages.

On December 1, Israel resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip, stating that Hamas had violated the ceasefire terms.