KNOW what IDF chief has to say about eliminating Hamas, securing hostages

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Thursday said its key goal in the war with Hamas is to bring back the hostages still held captive by the Palestinian terrorist group in Gaza.

Assessing the situation in northern Gaza, IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi said, “When we talked about dismantling Hamas, we didn’t think it would be in a week, we didn’t think it would be in a month — it’s peeling off layers… more terrorists killed, more commanders killed, more infrastructure destroyed…”

“I hope this pressure also brings us to achieving another important goal of bringing back the hostages, I hope all of them, we are making a big effort on this. It won’t happen without military pressure,” Halevi added.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ “delusional” conditions for a new ceasefire deal, saying “total victory” in Gaza is possible within months.

Netanyahu said negotiations with Hamas were “not going anywhere” and described their conditions as “bizarre”.

He further argued that only military pressure would secure the release of the Israelis being held captive in the Gaza Strip.

Talking to reporters, Netanyahu said talks are continuing to try to reach some deal.

“There is no other solution but a complete and final victory,” the Israeli PM said.

“If Hamas will survive in Gaza, it’s only a question of time until the next massacre,” he added.

Also Read: Netanyahu rejects Hamas' proposed ceasefire terms, says surrender to demands would bring disaster

According to a report by Reuters, Hamas has sent a counteroffer to the ceasefire deal proposed by Qatari and Egyptian mediators to halt the Gaza war. The plan proposed three phases each lasting 45 days.

As per the proposal, Hamas will exchange Israeli hostages, captured by them on 7 October 2023, for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Also Read: Gaza War: What is the 3-stage ceasefire Hamas has proposed to Israel?

During this time, the reconstruction of Gaza would commence, Israeli troops would withdraw completely and bodies as well as remains would be exchanged.

In an addendum to the proposal, Hamas said it wished for the release of 1,500 prisoners, a third of whom it wanted to select from a list of Palestinians handed life sentences by Israel.

With inputs from agencies