Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Tensions escalated on Friday across both the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, as Israeli military operations continued and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, even within the context of U.S.- and Saudi-backed normalization efforts.
Netanyahu, speaking in comments reported by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, said that the creation of a Palestinian state “is not on the table,” including in discussions linked to a prospective normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia. His remarks underscored a position he has repeatedly emphasized since the outbreak of the Gaza war, despite pressure from Washington and Arab states to commit to a political horizon for Palestinians.
The Israeli leader argued that the army’s ground incursion into Gaza City had been “the decisive factor” in securing the release of some Israeli hostages. He declared that “the violent phase of the war has ended,” while adding that Israel reserves the right to resume military operations “on any front if circumstances require.”
Regarding Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt, Netanyahu said it would only be opened for Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza, after Israel completes the recovery of Israeli hostages’ remains. He also urged Cairo to “allow Palestinians to exit the Strip through the crossing,” a call likely to raise tensions with Egypt, which maintains strict controls on movement through Rafah.
Renewed Strikes in Gaza
Overnight, Israeli forces carried out new airstrikes against multiple areas across Gaza. Local reports described explosions in central and southern parts of the enclave, though detailed casualty figures had not yet been released.
The bombardment comes amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions, with aid organizations warning that most of Gaza’s population remains displaced, food supplies continue to dwindle, and essential services such as hospitals and water networks remain critically strained.
Violence Spreads in the West Bank
The West Bank also witnessed a surge in violence. Settler attacks were reported in several areas, adding to already volatile conditions amid frequent Israeli military raids.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health said two young men were killed by Israeli forces early Friday during a raid in the town of Kafr Aqab, north of Jerusalem. Clashes between Palestinian residents and Israeli troops were also reported in multiple cities and refugee camps across the territory.
Hamas Accuses Israel of Expanding Control
Hamas accused Israel of attempting to push the so-called “yellow line” further west inside Gaza, a reference to military buffer zones Israel is reportedly trying to enforce. The group also claimed that Israel is using humanitarian aid as “a tool to pressure the resistance and civilians,” an accusation Israel has previously denied.
Political and Diplomatic Impasse
Netanyahu’s remarks appear to further distance Israel from international proposals for post-war governance in Gaza, which envision some form of Palestinian political authority and long-term arrangements tied to the creation of a Palestinian state. U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that a two-state solution remains the only viable pathway to lasting stability.
Saudi Arabia has also conditioned full normalization with Israel on irreversible steps toward Palestinian statehood a stance that Netanyahu’s latest comments directly contradict.
With military activity intensifying and diplomatic avenues narrowing, analysts warn that both the Gaza Strip and West Bank are entering a new period of volatility, while the prospects for meaningful political negotiations remain remote.
