War against Hamas must not be stopped until Israel achieves 3 main objectives - Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu (photo: Getty Images
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war against Hamas should not cease until three goals are achieved, reports CNN.
In a statement released on Saturday, January 6, by his office, the Prime Minister explained that Israel will not grant immunity to Hamas anywhere and is fighting for the restoration of security both in the south and in the north.
"The war against Hamas must not be stopped until Israel achieves three main objectives: eliminate Hamas, return our hostages and ensure that Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel," said Netanyahu.
The day before, Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, spoke about entering the third stage of the war. According to him, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers in the northern Gaza Strip will implement a new combat approach, including raids, destruction of terrorist tunnels, air and ground operations, and special operations.
"In southern Gaza, the Israeli military will continue its pursuit of Hamas leaders in the region for as long as necessary," Gallant stated.
He also mentioned that the post-war phase envisions that the Gaza Strip will no longer be controlled by Hamas and will no longer pose a security threat to the citizens of Israel.
Israel-Hamas war
On October 7, Hamas militants invaded Israel, engaging in violence against both military personnel and civilians, carrying out killings and abductions. Shortly thereafter, Jerusalem announced Operation Iron Swords and targeted terrorist locations in the Gaza Strip.
A temporary ceasefire for the release of prisoners began between Jerusalem and the militants on November 24, mediated by Qatar. However, on December 1, Israel claimed that hostilities resumed due to Hamas violating the terms of the ceasefire.
On December 20, Israel proposed another week-long ceasefire to the Palestinians, but Hamas rejected the offer.
During this time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined three conditions that must be met for the conclusion of the war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
