rki.news
Sources Xinhua
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that “there will not be a Hamas” in postwar Gaza, reinforcing his government’s commitment to dismantling the group amid ongoing ceasefire efforts.
Speaking in southern Israel on Wednesday, Netanyahu said, “We will eliminate Hamas down to its foundations. There is no going back.” He also pledged to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Israeli estimates suggest that around 50 hostages remain, with 20 presumed alive.
The statement came as Hamas confirmed it is reviewing a new U.S.-backed ceasefire plan announced Tuesday by President Donald Trump via Truth Social. Trump said Israel had accepted the conditions for a 60-day truce, during which Qatari and Egyptian mediators would deliver a final offer to both sides. The proposed deal includes the release of 10 living hostages and the start of talks for a permanent ceasefire, according to Israeli diplomatic sources.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, speaking from Estonia, expressed “cautious optimism,” noting positive signals but stressing the need for proximity talks to begin soon.
Hamas, meanwhile, said it is consulting on the plan, seeking guarantees for an end to Israeli aggression, a full troop withdrawal, and urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza. Mediators are actively working to bridge the gap between the parties.
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, after a Hamas-led attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel and abducted 250. In retaliation, Israel launched a large-scale assault on Gaza. Since then, at least 57,012 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health authorities, with widespread destruction, displacement, and starvation affecting the civilian population.
No final agreement has been reached, but international pressure for a ceasefire continues to mount.