Israel's Netanyahu sets condition to leave Gaza: ‘Until that happens, we're there’

Israel will not withdraw its troops from the border area between southern Gaza and Egypt until there is a guarantee that it can never be used as a lifeline for the Islamist movement Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday.

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"Until that happens, we're there," he told a news conference in Jerusalem.

Israeli PM Netanyahu said he doesn't think settling the Gaza Strip is a realistic goal.

Hamas has rejected everything: Netanyahu

Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Hamas had rejected all elements of a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza that would help facilitate the release of hostages.

"Hamas has rejected everything... I hope that changes because I want those hostages out," Netanyahu told a news conference, dismissing accusations that his insistence on retaining control over a key corridor along the border with Egypt had delayed a ceasefire deal.

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