TEL AVIV, Israel โ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated that Israel will continue its military operations in Gaza, insisting that even a potential deal to release more hostages will not lead to a halt in warfare. This stance presents a challenge to progressing ceasefire negotiations that seemed to gain traction when Hamas released the last living American hostage. This move was seen as a gesture to the United States, particularly since President Donald Trump is visiting the region but notably not making a stop in Israel.
Netanyahuโs declaration hints at a growing tension between him and Trump. While the U.S. President hoped that the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander might signal an end to the prolonged 19-month conflict, the Israeli Prime Minister is unwavering in his approach. During a visit with injured soldiers, Netanyahu explained that Israeli forces were preparing to escalate their military actions, emphasizing their goal of entering Gaza with full force to complete their mission, which he defined as the destruction of Hamas.
According to Netanyahu, any ceasefire achieved would only be temporary. Should Hamas offer more hostages in a bargain, Israel would accept but maintain its military objectives. โWeโre going to the end,โ he declared. Hamas, however, insists on releasing remaining hostages only if there is a reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners, along with demands for a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Currently, around 58 hostages remain captured, with perhaps 23 still alive under uncertain conditions. Many of the 250 hostages taken in the October 7, 2023, attack have been freed through previous ceasefire agreements. The issue of whether to end the ongoing conflict continues to hinder negotiations, which have faced obstacles for over a year.
The release of 21-year-old Edan Alexander, held hostage since the 2023 attack, followed negotiations primarily between Hamas and the Trump administration. Israel did not make any concessions for his release. Trump expressed hope that this was a sign of potential endings to the conflict on his social media platform.
Israel is resolute in intensifying its military actions, which includes plans to capture Gaza and displace a significant portion of its population again. The blockade imposed shortly before the cessation of the ceasefire in March has worsened Gazaโs humanitarian crisis. This blockade, according to Israel, aims to pressure Hamas into a ceasefire on Israeli terms. The World Health Organization reported that 57 children have died from malnutrition related issues since the blockade began.
The release prompted public criticism of Netanyahu, with voices accusing him of endangering the hostages by perpetuating the conflict. Netanyahu maintains a commitment to recovering all hostages and seeks to disrupt Hamasโs operations and encourage โvoluntary emigrationโ of Gazaโs population.
In a meeting with the families of hostages, U.S. officials, including Trumpโs Middle East envoy, reassured them of ongoing efforts to secure the hostagesโ return. American diplomats were set to continue engagements in Qatar, a crucial mediator in Israel-Hamas discussions. They expressed optimism regarding potential progress.
Netanyahu also supports a controversial plan backed by Trump for the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, a proposal sharply criticized by Palestinians and other Arab nations. He mentioned efforts to find host countries, hopeful that many Palestinians would opt to leave if given the chance.
The confrontation of 2023 initiated by Hamas-led militants resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths, with Israelโs retaliatory measures causing over 52,800 Palestinian fatalities, as reported by Gazaโs Health Ministry. These attacks have devastated Gazaโs urban areas and displaced a vast majority of its residents multiple times.