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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the country is nearing success in the Gaza conflict and asserted that there will not be a ceasefire until Hamas releases all captives, according to the news agency AFP.
These remarks were made during a cabinet meeting commemorating six months since the outbreak of the war on October 7, which began after an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas militants.
“We are one step away from victory. But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking,” AFP quoted PM Netanyahu as saying.
As ceasefire discussions were scheduled to continue in Cairo involving international mediators, Netanyahu stated, “There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just won’t happen. Israel is ready for a deal, Israel is not ready to surrender.”
“Instead of international pressure being directed at Israel, which only causes Hamas to harden its positions, the pressure of the international community should be directed against Hamas. This will advance the release of the hostages,” he added.
Israel has faced widespread global criticism regarding the killing of seven humanitarian workers from the US-based charity World Central Kitchen during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on April 1.
In a phone conversation with Netanyahu on Thursday, US President Joe Biden demanded an “immediate ceasefire” and warned that US support for Israel would depend on reducing civilian casualties and improving humanitarian conditions.
Meanwhile, Israel withdrew its ground troops from the southern part of the Gaza Strip on Sunday, AFP reported. This partial retreat comes six months into the devastating conflict.
However, the Israeli military stated that a substantial number of forces will continue operating in other areas of the besieged Palestinian territory. These forces will be capable of carrying out intelligence-based operations with precision, AFP reported.
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