ISRAEL’s prime minister, Netanyahu warns Hamas of consequences it ‘cannot imagine’ if captives not freed
Netanyahu made the remarks during a speech at the Israeli parliament.
“I tell Hamas: If you do not release our hostages, there will be consequences that you cannot imagine,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu then praised the US president’s proposal to empty Gaza of its population as “brave and innovative”.
“We must support it. We support it fully,” he said, according to the Times of Israel.
“The time has come to give them the freedom to leave. The time has come to give them the freedom to choose.”
Rights advocates say efforts to force Palestinians out of Gaza may constitute a crime against humanity.
Earlier Trump stresses peace in Ramadan message despite Gaza ethnic cleansing plan.
The US president offers wishes for a “season of joyous reflection” in a statement marking the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
“As millions of Muslim Americans begin their Ramadan observances, my administration recommits to upholding religious liberty that is such an integral part of the American way of life,” Trump said.
“Above all, we renew our resolve to building a future of peace, and to recognising the dignity imprinted on every human soul.”
Trump has called for the forced displacement of Gaza’s entire population, saying that Washington would then “own” the territory – a proposal that rights advocates say would amount to the ethnic cleansing of Muslims.
