“We are one step away from victory,” Netanyahu said at the start of a weekly cabinet meeting. “But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking. There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just won’t happen.”
Netanyahu’s comments came as a new round of truce talks began in Egypt. Despite growing international pressure to end the conflict, Israel has refused to agree to a ceasefire until Israeli captives are released.
“We will not give in to extreme demands from Hamas,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli prime minister’s statement underscores the determination of his government to secure the release of Israeli captives, even as the war in Gaza continues to take a heavy toll on both sides.
Despite the heavy human cost, Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will not back down until its demands are met. “We will continue to fight until we achieve our goals,” he said.
As the war enters its seventh month, there is no end in sight. But with Netanyahu’s statement, it is clear that Israel is determined to press on, even in the face of mounting pressure to end the conflict. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>