Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Deepens War in Gaza, Vows to Continue Fighting Until Hamas is Eliminated and Abductees Returned
In a video message to Israeli citizens on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is “deepening” the war in the Gaza Strip and will continue to fight until Hamas is eliminated and the Israelis taken hostage are returned.
Addressing the citizens in Hebrew, Netanyahu stated, “We will continue to fight until the complete victory over Hamas. This is the only way to return our abductees, eliminate Hamas and ensure that Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel.”
Acknowledging the heavy toll of war, Netanyahu emphasized unity among the fighters, the people, and the government, declaring, “We are united and determined to fight to the end.”
The Israeli military reported that 14 soldiers were killed over the weekend, bringing the total number of Israeli troops killed since the ground offensive began to 153.
The escalation of the conflict began when Hamas terrorists stormed communities in southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostages. The war has resulted in devastating consequences, with approximately 20,400 Palestinians killed, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.
Netanyahu concluded his message by acknowledging the heavy price of war in the lives of the soldiers and the government’s commitment to preserving their lives, while also affirming, “We will not stop until we achieve victory.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.