Netanyahu announces imminent end to major operations in Gaza
- In Reports
- 03:09 PM, Jun 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will soon conclude the intense phase of fighting in Gaza and shift focus to targeted operations against Hamas.
In a TV interview, Netanyahu stated, "It will be very soon," in response to a question about whether the fighting in Rafah will end within a month. This interview marks his first with an Israeli media outlet since the October 7 attacks, during which Hamas militants invaded southern Israel from Gaza, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping another 250. The US and the European Union designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Israel's response, which aims to return the hostages and dismantle Hamas as a military and political entity, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 37,000 Palestinians, according to Hamas officials, who do not differentiate between fighters and civilians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel's military will soon redeploy some forces to the north due to escalating exchanges with Hezbollah, and will work to return evacuated local residents. "If we can, we'll do this by diplomatic means; if not, it’ll be achieved in another way," Netanyahu stated.
US officials have expressed concern that open warfare may erupt between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed political party and heavily armed militia in Lebanon.
In the interview, Netanyahu firmly rejected the possibility of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, as suggested by US President Joe Biden several weeks ago, indicating that such a deal would not lead to an end to the war.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that any agreement with Hamas would be on Israel's terms and would not mean ending the war, withdrawing from Gaza, or leaving Hamas in power. "I am willing to agree to a partial deal that will see some Israeli hostages come home. After such a ceasefire ends, we will continue fighting until Hamas is eliminated," he said.
His remarks angered the families of the hostages, who accused him of abandoning the 120 hostages still in Gaza. They issued a statement claiming that Netanyahu's stance violates the country's moral duty toward its citizens.
Netanyahu's office later clarified his commitment to bringing back all the hostages. "It is Hamas that opposes a deal, not Israel," the statement read. "Netanyahu has made it clear we will not leave Gaza until we return all hostages, living and deceased."
Image source: Bloomberg
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