Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts Israel close to victory in Gaza conflict

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared Israel is “one step away from victory” in the ongoing Gaza war, emphasizing that there will be no ceasefire until Hamas releases all hostages. This statement came during a cabinet meeting that marked six months since the conflict erupted on October 7, following an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants on Israel.

Netanyahu highlighted the heavy price paid in the conflict, describing it as “painful and heartbreaking.” His remarks were made against the backdrop of resumed truce talks in Cairo, involving international mediators. The Prime Minister’s stance is clear: “There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just won’t happen.”

As discussions for a truce advance, Netanyahu called for a shift in international pressure towards Hamas, criticizing the current focus on Israel as counterproductive. He argued that such pressure only serves to strengthen Hamas’s resolve, whereas directing it against Hamas could expedite the hostages’ release.

The war has drawn significant international attention, particularly after the killing of seven aid workers from the US-based World Central Kitchen in a Gaza airstrike on April 1, sparking a global outcry. US President Joe Biden, in a recent conversation with Netanyahu, pressed for an “immediate ceasefire” and hinted at conditioning US support for Israel on reducing civilian casualties and improving humanitarian conditions.

Further complicating the situation, Netanyahu accused Iran of orchestrating attacks against Israel through its proxies, vowing retaliation against any threats. This accusation comes amid heightened tensions following the death of seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards in a strike on a consular annex in Damascus, which Iran attributed to Israel. The incident has prompted vows of retaliation from Iran’s leaders and Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, calling it a “turning point” in the conflict.

The ongoing war in Gaza and the potential for broader regional escalation underscore the complexities of achieving peace and security in the Middle East. As truce negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures the safety of civilians and the release of hostages.

The Gaza conflict, now entering its seventh month, presents a critical juncture for Israel, Hamas, and the broader Middle East. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s firm stance on hostage release as a precondition for ceasefire talks underscores the intricate balance between military objectives and diplomatic pressures. With international mediators stepping in, the focus shifts to how both sides can negotiate a path to peace amidst the backdrop of humanitarian concerns and regional tensions. The involvement of Iran and its proxies adds another layer of complexity, potentially widening the scope of the conflict. The coming days are crucial in determining whether the call for an immediate ceasefire will lead to tangible steps towards ending the hostilities and addressing the underlying issues that fuel the conflict.