Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in a video statement released by his office on November 29, 2023. Screenshot via X.
On November 29, Prime Minister Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will resume its war against the Hamas Movement, amid talks to further extend the current ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In a video statement, Netanyahu said that the chief goals of the war are “eliminating” Hamas, bringing home all hostages taken in the October 7 surprise attack, and ensuring the enclave “never again returns to being a threat to Israel.”
Ahead of the expected release of a sixth group of hostages on the sixth day of the ceasefire in Gaza, Netanyahu welcomed the return of abducted Israelis, which he said last week sounded “imaginary.”
“In recent days I’ve heard a question: Will Israel return to fighting after this stage of returning our hostages is over? My response is an unequivocal yes,” the premier said. “There is no way we won’t return to fighting until the end.”
Since the temporary ceasefire in Gaza entered into effect on November 24, Hamas has released 50 Israeli hostages, 49 of whom were women and children. From its side, Israel released 150 Palestinian women and children charged with security offenses from its prisons.
In addition, 18 foreigners, 17 Thais and a Filipino, were released by Hamas as part of a separate deal that was brokered by Iran.
Despite Netanyahu’s threats, Qatar’s foreign ministry said that talks are “moving toward” an agreement with Hamas to release more Israeli hostages, including men.
“Our negotiations regarding women and children take paramount position within the discussions, but obviously we are moving toward civilian men being released,” ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told CNN.
The spokesman also noted that negotiations are being held on the potential release of abducted Israeli soldiers and the prospect of a “longer truce” that could “lead to a ceasefire.”
Overall, Netanyahu and his government appear to be running out of options. The only way to free the hostages will be to further extend the ceasefire and release more Palestinian prisoners. The hostages will be in danger if Israel resumes its war on the Strip.
