Netanyahu Says Israel Has ‘No Choice’ But To Continue Fighting In Gaza

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Saturday that Israel is compelled to persist in the fight in Gaza and will not cease until Hamas is defeated, hostages are freed, and the region no longer poses a threat to Israel. Netanyahu also reaffirmed his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Facing mounting pressure at home from hostage families, supporters, as well as reservist and retired Israeli soldiers questioning the war’s continuation post a ceasefire breach by Israel last month, Netanyahu stated that Hamas turned down Israel’s latest offer to release half of the hostages in exchange for a temporary truce. Hamas has insisted on the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire, as outlined in the terminated agreement by Israel.

Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of more than 90 individuals within 48 hours, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry on Saturday. Israeli forces escalated attacks to coerce Hamas into releasing hostages and disarming.

Hospital staff reported that among the 15 individuals killed overnight were children and women. Hospital workers mentioned that at least 11 of the deceased were in Khan Younis, some in a tent in the Muwasi area designated as a humanitarian zone by Israel. Mourners grieved the loss of their loved ones, with one brother expressing sorrow over the death of his brother Omar. Additionally, four individuals, including a mother and daughter, were killed in strikes in Rafah city.

Israel confirmed the killing of over 40 militants over the weekend and reported the death of a soldier on Saturday in northern Gaza, marking the first soldier casualty since the war resumed on March 18.

Israel has pledged to heighten attacks across Gaza and establish significant “security zones” within the densely populated coastal strip. The blockade imposed on Gaza has persisted for six weeks, impeding the entry of essential supplies, leading to a dire humanitarian situation.

The conflict began in 2023 when Hamas-led militants launched attacks on southern Israel, resulting in casualties and abductions. Subsequently, Israel’s offensive has claimed thousands of Palestinian lives and devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and food production.

The prolonged conflict has displaced a significant portion of Gaza’s population, with many living in makeshift camps and damaged structures. The situation has prompted calls from aid groups and international bodies to lift the blockade and provide essential aid to Gaza’s inhabitants.

Public discontent has been mounting on both sides, with protests against Hamas in Gaza and calls in Israel for the government to secure the release of all hostages and end the war. Former hostage Omer Shem Tov urged for immediate action to bring back all hostages and halt the ongoing conflict.