Escalation in Gaza: Netanyahu Vows to Continue Military Campaign Against Hamas
Israeli airstrikes intensify as conflict renews, with casualties reported and diplomatic efforts under strain.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the recent escalation of airstrikes in Gaza marks only the beginning of a renewed military campaign.
In a televised address, he emphasized the Israeli government's commitment to the operation until all hostages are released, Hamas is dismantled, and Gaza is no longer perceived as a threat to Israel.
Netanyahu asserted, "Nothing will prevent us from achieving our war objectives concerning Gaza.
Military pressure is a prerequisite for the release of the captives."
He stated, "We have achieved historic accomplishments and are working to reshape the Middle East," while urging Israelis to adhere to home front protocols amidst ongoing hostilities.
The statement from Netanyahu follows a response from Hamas, which claimed that it had not rejected a proposal from U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff.
Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou reiterated that the group is in continuous communication with mediators and is handling proposals to cease hostilities and lift the blockade with high responsibility and positivity.
Al-Qanou stated, "The proposal from Witkoff was on the negotiation table, and Hamas treated it positively.
Netanyahu recommenced the war to sabotage the agreement made last January."
Al-Qanou further accused Israel of closing borders, tightening the blockade, and blocking aid, asserting that Israel's rejection of further negotiations was aimed at overturning the agreement and resuming hostilities.
He affirmed Hamas's interest in the continuity of the agreement and expressed the group’s readiness to engage flexibly and positively with mediators to limit the aggression against the Palestinian people and ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement.
On the other hand, reports from unnamed Israeli officials suggested that the renewed airstrikes are a tactical move aimed at compelling Hamas to lower its demands in negotiations.
They indicated that if Hamas returns to the table for serious discussions, the bombings would cease.
The officials noted that Israel has prepared various options, including a potential ground invasion, contingent upon the progress of negotiations.
The Israeli military's resurgence in targeting Gaza began in the early hours with a series of intensive air raids that reportedly resulted in 429 fatalities and 528 injuries, according to figures released by the health ministry in Gaza.
This escalation follows the conclusion of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement that lasted 42 days, ending in early March.
Israel has since refrained from entering the second phase of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which has claimed over 40,000 lives since hostilities reignited on October 7, 2023.
In a televised address, he emphasized the Israeli government's commitment to the operation until all hostages are released, Hamas is dismantled, and Gaza is no longer perceived as a threat to Israel.
Netanyahu asserted, "Nothing will prevent us from achieving our war objectives concerning Gaza.
Military pressure is a prerequisite for the release of the captives."
He stated, "We have achieved historic accomplishments and are working to reshape the Middle East," while urging Israelis to adhere to home front protocols amidst ongoing hostilities.
The statement from Netanyahu follows a response from Hamas, which claimed that it had not rejected a proposal from U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff.
Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou reiterated that the group is in continuous communication with mediators and is handling proposals to cease hostilities and lift the blockade with high responsibility and positivity.
Al-Qanou stated, "The proposal from Witkoff was on the negotiation table, and Hamas treated it positively.
Netanyahu recommenced the war to sabotage the agreement made last January."
Al-Qanou further accused Israel of closing borders, tightening the blockade, and blocking aid, asserting that Israel's rejection of further negotiations was aimed at overturning the agreement and resuming hostilities.
He affirmed Hamas's interest in the continuity of the agreement and expressed the group’s readiness to engage flexibly and positively with mediators to limit the aggression against the Palestinian people and ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement.
On the other hand, reports from unnamed Israeli officials suggested that the renewed airstrikes are a tactical move aimed at compelling Hamas to lower its demands in negotiations.
They indicated that if Hamas returns to the table for serious discussions, the bombings would cease.
The officials noted that Israel has prepared various options, including a potential ground invasion, contingent upon the progress of negotiations.
The Israeli military's resurgence in targeting Gaza began in the early hours with a series of intensive air raids that reportedly resulted in 429 fatalities and 528 injuries, according to figures released by the health ministry in Gaza.
This escalation follows the conclusion of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement that lasted 42 days, ending in early March.
Israel has since refrained from entering the second phase of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which has claimed over 40,000 lives since hostilities reignited on October 7, 2023.
