Netanyahu Vows No End to Gaza War Until Hamas Is Destroyed, Despite Possible Temporary Ceasefire for Hostage Deal
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Monday that Israel may agree to a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages, but stressed unequivocally that the war against Hamas will not end until the terror group is completely defeated.
In a meeting with wounded IDF reservists from the “Wounded Soldiers for Victory” forum, Netanyahu stated, “The situation has changed. In the coming days, we will go in [to Gaza] with full force to complete the operation. Completing the operation means subduing Hamas. It means destroying Hamas.”
“Eliminating Hamas and freeing all our hostages — these go hand in hand. That’s how we’re doing this,” he added in remarks released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
As Israeli officials head to Doha to negotiate a potential ceasefire-hostage deal before U.S. President Donald Trump concludes his Middle East tour, Netanyahu remained defiant: “Maybe Hamas will say, ‘Wait — we want to release 10 more [hostages].’ Fine, bring them. We’ll take them. And then we’ll go in. But there will be no situation where we stop the war.”
“A temporary ceasefire — fine. But we’re going all the way,” he emphasized.
In his comments, Netanyahu also hinted at plans for civilian evacuation from Gaza, stating: “We’ve already set up a governing body that will allow [civilians] to exit, but the main issue is this — we need host countries willing to absorb them. That’s what we’re working on right now. If we give them a way out, I’m telling you — more than 50% will leave. In my opinion, many more. But Hamas will not remain there.”
The reservists expressed strong support for Netanyahu’s leadership and urged him to finish the mission. “You are an example and an inspiration, and with your spirit, we are heading toward total victory,” Netanyahu told the group.
Yet even as hostage negotiations gathered steam following Hamas’s release of the last known living American captive — 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander — the path forward remains uncertain.
President Trump, currently visiting the region but notably skipping Israel, had hoped Alexander’s release would signal a breakthrough. “Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Alexander’s release is believed to have resulted from direct talks between Hamas and the Trump administration, largely circumventing Israeli involvement. Israeli officials emphasized that no concessions were made on their part.
Israel continues to estimate that 58 hostages remain in Hamas custody, including up to 23 believed to be alive. Many of the 250 hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault were previously freed through ceasefire deals.
Meanwhile, the conflict escalated sharply on Tuesday as Israeli airstrikes targeted two hospitals in southern Gaza, in what the IDF said was a bid to eliminate Hamas command centers — including a strike aimed at Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar. The first strike hit the European Hospital in Khan Younis, killing six and injuring 40, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Earlier in the day, another strike on Nasser Hospital killed two.
The World Health Organization issued a dire warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis, reporting that 57 children have died from malnutrition since Israel enforced a full blockade on Gaza in early March.
Despite mounting international pressure and growing fears of famine, Israel has pledged to intensify its offensive, aiming to seize control of key territory and displace much of the population from Hamas-dominated areas.
Hamas has insisted that any remaining hostages will only be released in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a lasting ceasefire — demands that Israel flatly rejects.
As Netanyahu prepares to intensify military action, his message remains clear: the war will not end until Hamas is gone.
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