Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that the war in Gaza will continue until Hamas is removed from power. He described the group’s latest demands for a hostage deal as “terms of surrender”.
Netanyahu rejects strategy to end conflict for hostage release
In a recorded video statement on Saturday, Netanyahu said halting military operations now would allow Hamas to rebuild. He dismissed the idea that Israel could agree to a ceasefire, secure hostage returns, and then restart the war. He argued that such a move would not work, as Hamas is demanding international guarantees that would prevent future attacks.
According to Netanyahu, those promoting this strategy do not understand how global diplomacy works. “No one — not the US, China, Russia or any UN Security Council member — will back such a move,” he said.
Hamas recently rejected a proposed temporary ceasefire. The deal included the release of half the remaining Israeli hostages. The group is calling for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor and nearby buffer zones, along with firm international assurances against renewed conflict.
Netanyahu said Israel’s goals are clear: destroy Hamas, return all hostages, and eliminate the threat from Gaza. He called any agreement that leaves Hamas in control a defeat for Israel and a win for Iran.
He warned that if Hamas remained in power, another attack would be inevitable. “If we stop now, we erase our achievements and risk facing the same threat again soon,” he said.
Hostage families demand a clear plan
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum responded with sharp criticism. They accused Netanyahu of failing to present a clear strategy to bring the hostages home.
In a statement, the group said, “Netanyahu has no plan.” They argued that only ending the war could ensure the return of the 59 hostages still in captivity.
The group also noted Netanyahu’s absence from press conferences in recent months. They suggested his reluctance to answer questions reflects a lack of accountability.
Earlier the same evening, Netanyahu’s spokesperson Omer Dostri appeared on Channel 12. He dismissed the idea of one single deal to return all hostages, calling it “spin”. Dostri said Hamas is demanding an end to the war, which makes a complete exchange unlikely at this stage.
Hamas claims it is ready to release all hostages if Israel ends the war and withdraws its troops. In recent weeks, several petitions from military personnel and the public have supported such a deal.
Netanyahu reaffirms position on Iran
Netanyahu also addressed Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He reaffirmed his commitment to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. “I will not back down, even slightly,” he said.
He criticised those who claimed he missed chances to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. Netanyahu defended his past decisions, saying they delayed Iran’s progress by years.
These comments follow reports that former US President Donald Trump blocked a proposed Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites. Current US policy is focused on diplomacy and a possible new deal with Iran.
