In a press statement on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the country's commitment to ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip, even after the proposal of a temporary cease-fire. Netanyahu, addressing the media ahead of a Cabinet meeting, declared, "We are at war, and the war will continue until all our goals are achieved."
The Prime Minister's remarks came in the context of discussions about a proposed hostage deal and a four-day cease-fire with Hamas, the Palestinian group based in Gaza. Netanyahu acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating, "Before us is a difficult decision but the right one." Israeli media reports indicate that the proposed deal involves a swap of 50 Israelis held by Hamas in exchange for 150 Palestinians in Israeli jails.
"We will not rest until everyone is returned. The war has stages, and the return of the hostages will have stages," added Netanyahu.
According to Israeli estimates, at least 239 Israelis are currently held by Hamas following a cross-border attack on October 7. In response to the Hamas attack, Israel has initiated extensive air and ground assaults in the Gaza Strip. Health authorities in the enclave report that the attacks have resulted in the deaths of more than 14,128 Palestinians, including 5,840 children and 3,920 women.
The impact on infrastructure has been significant, with thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, damaged or destroyed in Israel’s air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.
As per official figures, the Israeli death toll stands at approximately 1,200. The situation continues to escalate as both sides grapple with the complexities of the conflict.
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