'Hamas Has Lost Control Of Northern Gaza Strip,' Claims Israel As It Reiterates Condition For Ceasefire

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli forces have laid a total siege to Gaza city and their campaign against Palestinian militant outfit Hamas is "advancing at full force", the Office of Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said in a statement issued on Sunday. The Israeli PM's office also claimed that Hamas has lost control of the northern half of the Gaza Strip.

(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Pic credits: ANI)

"The war against Hamas-ISIS is advancing at full force and it has one goal – victory. There is no substitute for victory. We will eliminate Hamas and bring back our hostages. IDF forces have completed the encirclement of the city of Gaza," Netanyahu's office stated.

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It added that Israel Defence Forces (IDF) units operating in Gaza are targeting the vast tunnel network running beneath Gaza to eliminate Hamas militants.

"Hamas has, in effect, lost control of the northern Gaza Strip. It has no place to hide there. From Sinwar to the last terrorist: all of Hamas are dead men. Our forces are attacking them above ground and underground. We will continue at full force, at full strength, until victory," the Israeli PM's office stated.

Office of Prime Minister of Israel tweets, "Hamas has, in effect, lost control of the northern Gaza Strip. It has no place to hide there. From Sinwar to the last terrorist: all of Hamas are dead men. Our forces are attacking them above ground and underground. We will continue at…

— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2023

Netanyahu's office further said that his instructions as well as that of Israel's war cabinet call for the return of hostages held captive by Hamas as a prerequisite for a ceasefire in Gaza.

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"My directive and that of the Cabinet is clear: There will be no ceasefire without the return of our hostages. When we have something to say, something concrete, we will update the families and submit it to the full Government. Until then, prudence would dictate silence," the statement issued by the PM's office said. The death toll due to the ongoing Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip has surpassed 11,000, as per authorities of the Hamas-controlled Palestinian exclave.