Netanyahu insists that the fighting in Gaza won't be halted despite more people asking for a ceasefire
Israel-Gaza conflict: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will persist in its military campaign in Gaza, undeterred by escalating global pressure for an immediate ceasefire. Despite mounting diplomatic isolation and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Netanyahu affirmed the country's commitment to the ongoing conflict.
"We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," stated Netanyahu.
The Prime Minister's assertion followed the United Nations General Assembly's overwhelming passage of a non-binding resolution, urging an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages. The international community's call for de-escalation heightened as civilian casualties in Gaza continued to rise.
In a significant development, Israel disclosed that its military suffered one of the deadliest attacks since the ground operation commenced in Gaza, with nine soldiers killed during an ambush by Hamas forces.
In response to the UN resolution and U.S. President Joe Biden's remarks criticizing "indiscriminate bombing," Netanyahu emphasized the need to complete the mission. He argued that a decisive victory over Hamas would yield strategic advantages, significant deterrent power, and increased global influence.
"We need to complete this mission. The crushing victory over Hamas will provide many advantages, as well as considerable deterrent power and persuasive power – also regarding the rest of the world sitting up in the stands. They are all sitting there, wanting to see who will win. It's that simple: In the end they want to see who will win, us or them," Netanyahu asserted during a visit to a military facility.
Intense fighting persisted between Hamas and Israeli forces in both northern and southern Gaza, with the Israel Defense Force (IDF) advancing further into the territory. The IDF reported 10 soldiers killed in the past 24 hours, marking the worst one-day loss since October 31.
The Biden administration has delayed the sale of over 20,000 U.S.-made rifles to Israel, citing concerns about attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit Israel, engaging in "extremely serious conversations" with Israeli officials, including discussions on civilian casualties.
Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh, in a televised address, dismissed the possibility of any arrangement in Gaza without the involvement of Hamas, calling it a "delusion." While expressing openness to discussing initiatives to end the Israeli aggression, Haniyeh emphasized the need to address the broader Palestinian situation in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu had previously declared Israel's intention to maintain an open-ended security presence in Gaza after the conclusion of the war. As the conflict unfolds, international efforts are intensifying to bring about a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
- With inputs from agencies
