Netanyahu Says ‘We Are Not Retreating’ During Gaza Visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Gaza to declare that Israeli forces will not retreat from the territory. He emphasized the goal of disarming Hamas and maintaining control over 60 percent of the Strip despite international pressure for a ceasefire.
Why it matters
The refusal to withdraw complicates ongoing US-backed peace efforts and prolongs the humanitarian and military crisis in the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday visited Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, where he vowed not to pull back troops despite a recent push by mediators to advance a US-backed ceasefire plan calling for their withdrawal.
It was the first time Netanyahu has visited the war-shattered territory since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in October 2025.
"We control the area. We are not retreating. We are staying on this line," Netanyahu said near the so-called Yellow Line, which demarcates the areas under Hamas and Israeli military control.
"We control 60 percent of the Strip, and we are not stopping, because we are eliminating the terrorists who threaten us, day in and day out."
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