Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not stop its military campaign in Gaza, even if Hamas offers to release more hostages. His message was direct: “We’re going to the end,” he said, adding that any ceasefire would only be temporary until Hamas is fully dismantled. The statement he is repeating since the October 23 Hamas brutal attack.
Netanyahu’s strong stance comes after the recent release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli American soldier who had been held hostage by Hamas since the deadly October 7, 2023, attacks. While his freedom is a moment of relief and celebration, the Prime Minister emphasized that the war’s mission remains unfinished.
“We’ll take any hostages Hamas releases, but we will not stop fighting,” Netanyahu said in comments released Tuesday. “We can pause for a short ceasefire, but the mission is to destroy Hamas – and we will finish what we started.”
Netanyahu also visited wounded Israeli soldiers earlier this week, where he praised their bravery and vowed to intensify the military operation. “We are days away from a powerful escalation. Our forces will enter Gaza with great strength to complete the mission,” he said.
Strikes on Hamas Targets
On Tuesday, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes targeting Hamas strongholds in Gaza, including what officials described as a “command and control center” hidden under a hospital in Khan Younis. The strike followed earlier action at Nasser Hospital, where Israel said militants were operating.
Tragically, casualties were reported. Gaza’s Health Ministry said at least eight people were killed in the two hospital strikes. Israel insists it only targets Hamas militants and infrastructure, not civilians, and says the use of hospitals as military bases by Hamas is a war crime.
A Difficult but Necessary War
The war began after Hamas-led militants stormed Israeli communities on October 7, killing and kidnapping civilians. It was the deadliest single attack on Israel in its history. In response, Israel launched a full-scale military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure and ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.
So far, many hostages have been released through temporary ceasefire deals. However, 58 people are still in captivity, and only 23 are believed to be alive. Israel continues to work around the clock to bring every last hostage home.
Netanyahu’s insistence on continuing the war is not about ignoring peace, he says, but about securing it long-term. “We cannot allow Hamas to survive. They are a terror group hiding behind civilians, using hospitals and schools as shields,” he stated.
International Pressure and U.S. Involvement
The latest hostage release was negotiated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. However, the process appeared to bypass Israel, raising questions about coordination between the allies. Netanyahu’s firm tone suggests that while Israel values support from friends like the U.S., it will act in its defense, on its terms.
Hamas is demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for more hostages. But Netanyahu has ruled that out. “They want us to stop, so they can regroup and attack again. That won’t happen,” he said.
A Humanitarian Crisis, But No Surrender
Israel has acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, especially after it blocked imports in March to increase pressure on Hamas. Critics have warned of the risk of famine, but Israel argues that allowing relief while Hamas remains in power only prolongs the suffering.
Netanyahu’s message is simple but firm: peace will come not through temporary deals, but through victory. “We will continue until Hamas is gone,” he said. “That’s the only way to protect our people and bring true peace to this region.”
