Netanyahu Rejects Palestinian Statehood as Global Health Organizations Resist Gaza Evacuation Calls
JERUSALEM/GAZA – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated unequivocally that there will “never” be a Palestinian state, a declaration that intensifies existing tensions amid ongoing conflict and international pressure for a two-state solution. The statement, made publicly, directly contradicts longstanding international efforts to broker peace and raises further questions about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Netanyahu’s firm stance arrives as international health organizations signal their intention to remain in Gaza despite increasing calls for evacuation.The World Health Organization (WHO) and other aid groups are working to maintain critical medical services within the besieged territory, facing immense challenges including damaged infrastructure, limited supplies, and ongoing hostilities. This commitment underscores the dire humanitarian situation and the difficulty of providing aid to the over two million residents of Gaza, which has been experiencing devastating war for more than 23 months between Israel, Hamas and Palestinian armed factions.
Separately, reports emerged Wednesday of continued military activity in Yemen. Anis Al-Asbahi, a spokesman for the Houthi Ministry of Health, indicated that casualty figures from recent strikes are preliminary, with civil defense teams continuing to search for missing persons. The Israeli army announced it had targeted “several military targets” in Yemen’s capital,Sanaa,and Al-Jouf province in the north.The Houthis subsequently denied Israeli claims of targeting missile launch platforms in a statement released by their military spokesperson, Yahya Sari.
In Tunisia, authorities are investigating an “attack” on a ship in the port of Sidi Boussaid, with the Ministry of interior stating the incident was “mastermind.” The “Global Samoud” fleet, aiming to deliver aid to Gaza and “break the siege,” reported a drone attack on one of its vessels – the second such incident in two days. No injuries were reported, and a fire on board was contained by civil defense teams. The Tunisian Ministry of Interior has not yet accused any specific party but pledged a thorough examination, promising to inform both Tunisian and international public opinion regarding those responsible. The “Global Resilience Fleet” comprises humanitarian workers, doctors, artists, and activists from 44 countries, and includes support from figures like Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Portuguese politician Mariana Mortagua.
