In a strong statement amid continued conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel must fully defeat Hamas in Gaza to ensure the release of hostages still held captive. The declaration, which aligns with Netanyahu’s long-standing security-first policy, has intensified regional tensions and drawn sharp criticism from both the Palestinian Authority and Gaza’s Hamas-run government.

Though details of the Israeli military’s new operational plan have not yet been publicly released or formally approved, sources familiar with internal deliberations suggest that Israel is preparing to ramp up its ground and intelligence operations in Gaza, aimed at completely dismantling Hamas’s military and political infrastructure.

Netanyahu’s stance: No freedom without total victory

Addressing the Israeli public and media, Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to freeing Israeli hostages, many of whom have been held since the October 2023 war, and declared that “this can only happen when Hamas is decisively defeated.”

“We cannot leave Gaza with Hamas still in control. As long as they hold power, they will use hostages as leverage and continue to terrorise our people,” Netanyahu said. The Prime Minister also framed the issue as a matter of national survival, insisting that Israel's long-term security depends on the total elimination of Hamas from the region.

Reported plan: Military escalation on the table

Although Netanyahu's remarks referenced a plan that has not yet received final Cabinet or Knesset approval, leaks suggest that the proposed strategy includes:

• Intensified air and drone strikes on Hamas command centres

• Expanded ground incursions into Gaza Strip sectors suspected of hiding hostages

• Cyber and signal intelligence operations to locate underground tunnels and safehouses

• Special forces missions aimed at freeing captives or applying targeted pressure

However, defence officials have remained tight-lipped, saying only that “all options are on the table” and that hostage recovery and national defence are top priorities.

Palestinian backlash: Condemnation from both Hamas and the PA

The announcement has prompted angry reactions across Palestinian leaderships. The Hamas-run government in Gaza accused Israel of using hostages as a pretext to continue what it called “a campaign of occupation and genocide.” In a fiery statement, Hamas leaders warned that any expanded military action would result in “grave consequences” for all sides.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank, condemned the remarks as “irresponsible and destructive.” PA President Mahmoud Abbas’s spokesperson said that a military solution would only deepen suffering and end any hope of a peaceful two-state future.

“Israel is choosing war over diplomacy. This mindset is what fuels endless conflict,” the statement read.

Hostage situation: Still unresolved

The issue of Israeli hostages held by Hamas has been a core grievance for the Israeli public and government alike. Since the October 2023 escalation, dozens of civilians and soldiers have reportedly remained in Gaza captivity.

Efforts to broker their release via Qatari, Egyptian, and American intermediaries have made some progress, but most negotiations have collapsed over non-negotiable demands from both sides.

Netanyahu’s latest remarks suggest that military pressure is now seen as the primary route, abandoning hopes of a quick diplomatic breakthrough.

International response: Divided opinions

Reactions from the international community have been mixed and cautious. While Western allies like the U.S. and Germany have expressed sympathy for Israel’s hostage dilemma and right to self-defence, they have also urged restraint.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said, “While we support Israel’s security needs, we hope all steps taken are proportional and prioritise civilian safety.”

Meanwhile, human rights groups and regional analysts warn that further military escalation will likely worsen humanitarian conditions in Gaza, displacing more civilians and fueling radicalisation.

Israel’s internal politics: Divisions grow

Netanyahu’s hardline stance may play well with right-wing factions in the Israeli government, but moderates and opposition leaders are already warning of the risks of deepening the conflict without a clear endgame.

Former Defence Minister Benny Gantz said in an interview, “While defeating Hamas is necessary, we must ask: What happens the day after? Who governs Gaza, and how do we prevent chaos?”

There is also growing public fatigue within Israel, as many families of hostages have called for a more balanced approach that prioritises human life over political or military objectives.

Conclusion: A dangerous turning point

Netanyahu’s remarks have pushed the Israel-Hamas conflict into a potentially more violent phase, with both sides unwilling to back down. While the goal of freeing hostages is shared across Israel’s political spectrum, the means to achieve it are highly controversial.

As the situation evolves, one thing is clear: any military push to eliminate Hamas will have far-reaching consequences—not just for hostages and militants, but for millions of civilians in Gaza and the broader Middle East peace process.

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