Netanyahu Pledges to ‘Ramp Up’ Pressure on Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to intensify efforts against Hamas in Gaza, following U.S. criticism over the high civilian casualties in recent attacks.

During a state commemorative event, Netanyahu justified Israel’s actions in the over nine-month-long conflict, stating that “Hamas is under pressure.” He emphasized that this pressure stems from Israel’s success in targeting and eliminating top Hamas commanders and numerous fighters.

Netanyahu asserted that Israel’s firm stance and ongoing demands have added to Hamas’s difficulties, despite international concerns about the conflict’s toll since Hamas’s attacks on October 7.

“This is precisely the moment to increase the pressure, to secure the return of all hostages, both living and deceased, and to achieve all our war objectives,” he declared.

Netanyahu’s remarks come amid intensified Israeli attacks on Gaza. Gazan rescuers reported that more than 40 people were killed in three airstrikes within an hour on Tuesday.

Over the weekend, a significant Israeli bombing raid aimed at a safe zone resulted in over 90 deaths. Netanyahu stated this operation targeted Hamas military chief Mohammad Deif and one of his deputies.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking at the same event, noted that Israel’s military pressure has forced Hamas leaders to focus solely on their own survival. “Without the capacity to command, control, and lead, Hamas becomes a group of terrorist gangs without direction or future,” Gallant said.

According to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures, the Hamas attacks on October 7 resulted in 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians. Additionally, Palestinian militants took 251 hostages, with 116 still in Gaza, including 42 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel’s military offensive has killed at least 38,713 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Gaza Strip’s health ministry.