Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his goal to dismantle the rule of Palestinian militant organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip, local media reported on Sunday.
Speaking to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) graduates, Netanyahu said that Israel was “ready to return at any moment to intensive combat,” the Times of Israel reported.
“All of our hostages, without exception, will return home,” he said.
“Hamas won’t rule Gaza. Gaza will be demilitarized, and its fighting force will be dismantled.”
Victory could be achieved “in negotiations,” or “in another way,” Netanyahu added.
The war in Gaza was triggered by the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and other extremist groups in southern Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths. More than 250 people were taken hostage that day.
More than 48,300 Palestinians have been killed in the war that followed, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority.
A multi-stage ceasefire agreement, that began on January 19, stipulates that during the first six-week phase, a total of 33 hostages will be gradually released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners.
The second phase of the agreement should lead to a definitive end to the war and to the release of the remaining hostages, but it is unclear whether it can actually be implemented.
Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. Israel is insisting on its war aim of completely destroying Hamas. More than 60 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, about half of whom are believed not to be alive any longer.
