Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday reiterated that the military offensive in Gaza will continue until Hamas is fully dismantled, ruling out any possibility of a ceasefire at this stage.
In a televised address, Netanyahu stated that Israel’s objectives remain unchanged: the complete elimination of Hamas, the safe return of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza can no longer pose a threat to Israel.
“We will not end the war without achieving total victory,” Netanyahu said, reinforcing Israel’s hardline approach.
The announcement comes amid rising international pressure to halt the ongoing military campaign due to the growing civilian death toll in Gaza. Health officials in Gaza report over 90 casualties in the past 48 hours, including women and children.
Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire offer, demanding a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, a permanent ceasefire, and assurances for Palestinian sovereignty. In response, the group has stated that no hostages will be released until their conditions are accepted.
Inside Israel, public protests have intensified, with families of hostages demanding urgent action. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv and other cities carried placards reading “Bring them home,” urging the government to prioritize negotiation over conflict.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Aid organizations report severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies, with tens of thousands displaced.
Global leaders and organizations, including the UN and EU, have called for de-escalation, but Israel maintains that ongoing military operations are essential to national security.
