Egypt Daily News – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that defeating Hamas is more important than securing the release of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza.
Amid ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi (named Eyal Zamir in earlier reports) also warned on Thursday that military operations in Gaza could soon intensify if necessary. He said, “The IDF is ready to deliver a decisive blow to Hamas and escalate the operation — if needed, we will do so soon.”
He added, “Alongside important achievements, we still face major challenges, foremost among them the return of the hostages. At the same time, we are tasked with defeating Hamas, returning displaced residents to their homes, and establishing a secure and stable reality for future generations.”
Netanyahu noted that Hamas militants are still holding 59 Israelis, saying, “We will use all available force… if we are called to act, we will do so soon. The IDF is ready to strike them decisively.”
Earlier, Zamir had threatened a wide-scale military operation in Gaza if there was no progress in securing the hostages’ release. “We will expand our activities until we reach a decisive outcome,” he said while inspecting Israeli forces in Rafah, in southern Gaza.
He added, “Hamas is misjudging our capabilities, intentions, and determination.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has echoed similar threats, recently stating that the longer Hamas holds the hostages, the harsher Israel’s response will be.
Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza on March 18, 2025, after a ceasefire agreement reached in January collapsed. Israel insists it will maintain pressure on Hamas until all hostages are released.
According to Israeli military estimates, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, 34 of whom are believed to be dead.
Ceasefire Negotiations
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with mediation from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Reports suggest that Hamas has agreed to place its medium- and long-range rockets under Egyptian control, cease the recruitment and training of new fighters, and stop the construction of additional tunnels.
However, Hamas intends to keep light weapons such as sniper rifles, explosives, and short-range rockets. Israel has offered a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of ten hostages, but Hamas insists on a permanent cessation of hostilities, a condition Israel has rejected.
As of now, 24 hostages are believed to be alive, while 35 are confirmed dead.
