Explosion at St Petersburg gas terminal, officials say

 

His comments came hours after a phone call with US President Joe Biden in which the US leader indicated that Mr Netanyahu could still be open to the idea.

Mr Netanyahu's comments appeared to deepen the public divide with the US.

The US believes that a Palestinian state alongside Israel – known as the "two-state solution" – is vital to long-term stability.

But the White House acknowledged this week that the US and Israeli governments "clearly see things differently".

Speaking to reporters after the first talks between the two leaders in nearly a month, Mr Biden insisted a two-state solution was still possible with Mr Netanyahu in office.

"There are many types of two-state solutions. There are many countries that are members of the United Nations... that do not have their own military," he said.

But on Saturday Mr Netanyahu doubled down on his position, which he has held for most of his political career and reiterated earlier this week.

A statement released by his office said: "In his conversation with President Biden, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his policy that Israel should maintain security control over Gaza after the destruction of Hamas to ensure that Gaza Will no longer pose a threat to Israel, a requirement that contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty."

Also on Saturday, in a post on .

Britain's Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said on Sunday that Mr Netanyahu's statement was "disappointing", although it was not a surprise.

These comments will dampen hopes in some circles that Israeli and Palestinian leaders can resume diplomatic talks and revive the dormant peace process as a result of the Gaza crisis.

Mr Netanyahu's growing isolation abroad comes amid continued support for the war at home as well as protests over the fate of an estimated 130 hostages still held inside Gaza by Hamas.

Hamas killed about 1,300 people – mostly civilians – and took 240 hostage in its surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7.

Thousands of protesters, including relatives of those still missing, gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday, urging Mr Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire to allow the hostages to go home.

Gil Dickman, whose cousin was captured on October 7, said: "Dear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we believe you can bring him back. We believe in you.

"We know you can sign this deal and bring this victory to all citizens of Israel. Just do it, Bibi. Just do it. Bring the hostages home."

Israeli forces have continued incursions into southern Gaza and said they are searching for top Hamas officials they believe are hiding in Khan Yunis, the strip's second-largest city.

Israel Defense Forces said they raided a tunnel in Khan Yunis that was used to hold hostages, although they were not there when it was discovered.

While the focus of the fighting is now in southern Gaza, there have been renewed clashes around the northern city of Jabaliya, as Palestinian fighters reportedly advanced while Israel tried to move its troops and tanks to the south.

Nearly three months after Israel launched a ground offensive on Gaza, its forces – vastly superior to Hamas in strength and equipment – are still facing significant resistance across the region.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said on Sunday that 25,105 people had been killed in the territory since October 7. It said more than 60,000 people were also injured.