- By Supratik Das
- Sun, 20 Apr 2025 09:36 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday reaffirmed that Israel has "no choice" but to press on with its Gaza war, stating that the conflict will not cease until Hamas is eliminated, all hostages are released, and Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israeli security.
The statement came amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes that, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, killed at least 92 Palestinians in the past 48 hours. Women and children were among the victims, with several fatalities reported in Khan Younis, Rafah, and central Gaza’s Nuseirat. Hospital staff said multiple people died in tents set up in designated “humanitarian zones.”
Hamas Rejects Israeli Truce Offer
Netanyahu's speech came after Hamas dismissed an Israeli offer to free half of the remaining hostages in a temporary ceasefire. Hamas instead made a full hostage-prisoner exchange offer conditional on a permanent cessation of the war and reconstruction of Gaza. Hamas Gaza leader Khalil Al-Hayya reaffirmed that the terror group will not disarm, describing Israeli terms as "impossible."
Hamas recently said it lost contact with the militants who are holding Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli dual citizen and soldier seized during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. His status is unknown. His family and U.S. officials maintain they will continue to demand his release now, while the State Department reaffirmed that Hamas is responsible for the escalation of the conflict.
Growing Palestinian Civilian Casualties And Protests In Israel
Over 51,000 Palestinians have died since Israel began its attack after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 Israelis and over 250 who were taken hostage.
Despite increasing domestic criticism and demonstrations, including by families of hostages and military veterans, Netanyahu is adamant. "We will not cease. We will not capitulate. We will return all the hostages," he stated.
