Netanyahu has signalled his opposition to re-establishing settlements, which are illegal under international law, in Gaza, saying “it was never in the cards”, Al Jazeera reports.

“Some of my constituents are not happy about it, but that’s my position,” he told CNN.

In the interview, Netanyahu also called for the “sustained demilitarisation of Gaza” and a “civilian administration that is run by Gazans who are neither Hamas nor committed to our destruction”.

He also called for the “reconstruction of Gaza” to be led by the “moderate Arab states and the international community”.