Benjamin Netanyahu announced conditions for ceasefire in Gaza: “Victory is one step away”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported the destruction of 19 of 24 Hamas battalions over the past six months since the start of the military operation on October 7. He also stressed that the Israel Defense Forces will continue to fight until a complete victorious conclusion and will stop hostilities only after the hostages are released. This statement was made by him at a government meeting on Sunday, April 7, as indicated on his official Facebook page.

There is no peace without the return of the abducted: Netanyahu stressed the importance of releasing the hostages

The Israeli army has killed, wounded or captured scores of Hamas fighters, including senior commanders.

“We have successfully liberated Shifa and numerous other terrorist headquarters. Missile and weapons production factories, weapons and ammunition depots have also been destroyed, and we continue to systematically eliminate the tunnels. We are on the verge of victory,” Netanyahu said.

He emphasized that 133 of “our kidnapped brothers and sisters” are being held captive by terrorists, but also noted that 123 of them have already been returned by Tel Aviv, and the rest will also be returned to their homeland.

“I have made it clear to the international community: without the return of those abducted, a ceasefire will not be possible. This is our policy, and I am glad that the Biden administration has confirmed its support for this position,” the Israeli Prime Minister said.

He also said that Israel is not interfering with a possible deal with Hamas to release the hostages. However, according to him, the group’s demands are too unrealistic and are unable to ensure an end to the conflict and security for all parties.

Israel is ready for an agreement, but will not give up

Netanyahu argues that Hamas is seeking to survive and regain the ability to threaten Israeli citizens and military personnel. According to the head of government, a concession to Hamas’ demands “will lead to the fact that, as promised, it will again and again try to repeat crimes similar to those committed on October 7.“

He also said that Israel is “ready for an agreement, but not ready for capitulation.”

“There is no more just war than this, and we are determined to complete it with complete victory, return all our abductees, destroy Hamas in the entire Gaza Strip, including Rafah, and ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel,” the statement said. .

Netanyahu also stressed that Iran, through its supporters, is behind the attacks on Israel. The Prime Minister recalled that since the beginning of October 7, Israel has become the target of attacks on various fronts by Iranian proxy forces – Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, militias from Iraq and Syria and other groups.