Netanyahu says Israel retains right to return to war in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday evening that if they have to return to war, they will do so in new ways and with great force.

In a video statement on the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, set to take effect on Sunday, Netanyahu noted that both outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and incoming President Donald Trump have given full backing to Israel's right to return to fighting if negotiations on the second phase of the agreement are "futile."

Netanyahu stated that Israel will maintain the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza borders. He noted that Israeli forces will be deployed inside the Gaza Strip and will close it off from all sides. He added that most of the 33 Israeli hostages, who are due to be released starting Sunday in the first phase of the agreement, are alive.