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Netanyahu Vows to Continue Gaza War Despite Growing Pressure
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to continue Gaza war to destroy Hamas and free hostages despite growing pressure and recent rejection of ceasefire proposal by Hamas.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III participates in joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel has "no choice" but to continue fighting in Gaza and will not end the war before destroying Hamas, freeing the hostages, and ensuring that the territory won't present a threat to Israel. Netanyahu repeated his vow to make sure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.
The prime minister is under growing pressure at home not only from families of hostages and their supporters but also from reservist and retired Israeli soldiers who question the continuation of the war after Israel shattered a ceasefire last month. Netanyahu said Hamas has rejected Israel's latest proposal to free half the hostages in return for another temporary truce. Hamas has said it will only free the remaining hostages in return for an Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire, as called for in the agreement that Israel ended.
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Meanwhile, Israeli strikes killed more than 90 people in 48 hours, Gaza's Health Ministry said Saturday. Israeli troops have been increasing their attacks to pressure Hamas to release the hostages and disarm. Children and women were among the 15 people killed overnight, according to hospital staff.
Israel's military in a statement said it killed more than 40 militants over the weekend. Separately, the military said a soldier was killed Saturday in northern Gaza and confirmed it was the first soldier death since Israel resumed the war on March 18. Hamas' armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said it ambushed Israeli forces operating east of Gaza City's al-Tuffah neighborhood.
The war has destroyed vast parts of Gaza and most of its food production capabilities. Around 90% of the population is displaced, with hundreds of thousands of people living in tent camps and bombed-out buildings. Thousands of Israelis joined protests Saturday night pressing for a deal to bring all hostages home.
