Netanyahu: Eliminating Hamas is Necessary for the Emergence of an Alternative Palestinian Rule

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated today, Wednesday, that "eliminating Hamas in the Gaza Strip is necessary for the emergence of any alternative Palestinian rule there," arguing that "leaving Hamas in place would pose a threat to those who would succeed it." Netanyahu also responded to Western criticisms of the Israeli military operation in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, stating, "The humanitarian disaster that has been discussed has not happened, and it will not happen."