Israel promises ‘painful blows’ to Hamas — RT World News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas rejected all proposals for a new hostage deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged and threatened to increase pressure on Hamas “Receiving additional and painful blows” In an attempt to release the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
About 129 Israelis are believed to remain in captivity after Palestinian militants invaded the Jewish state on October 7, which saw more than 1,100 people killed, most of them civilians, and more than 200 hostage taken. The short-term truce in November last year saw the release of 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners, but the negotiations faltered due to Hamas’ demands for a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, which Netanyahu described as “Phantom.”
In a video message before Passover on Sunday, Netanyahu said the hostages would be absent during the holiday “It will only strengthen our resolve to bring them back.” Explaining that all Israeli proposals to secure the release of the hostages were… “Totally rejected by Hamas”
“Instead of retreating from its extremist positions, Hamas is building on the division within us. He draws encouragement from the pressures directed against the Israeli government. “As a result, it only tightens its conditions for the release of our hostages.” Netanyahu continued, making an apparent reference to anti-government protests calling for new elections and demanding that the authorities do more to reach a new hostage deal.
He added: “In the coming days, we will increase military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to free our hostages and achieve our victory.” he added.
More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Israel Defense Forces launched a bombing campaign followed by a ground invasion, according to the latest figures provided by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
Netanyahu asserts that Israel cannot achieve its goal “Total victory” Without launching an attack on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, where about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have taken refuge since the beginning of the war.
The potential invasion of the densely populated city has sparked concern in the international community, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warning this week “Serious consequences” If West Jerusalem goes ahead with the plan.
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