New Delhi: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country was nearing success in the Gaza conflict and asserted there would not be a ceasefire until Hamas released all captives, news agency AFP reported.
He made these remarks during a cabinet meeting commemorating six months since the start of the war on October 7, which began after an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas militants.
“We are one step away from victory. But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking,” AFP quoted PM Netanyahu as saying.
According to the report, as ceasefire discussions were scheduled to continue in Cairo involving international mediators, Netanyahu said, “There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just won't happen. Israel is ready for a deal, Israel is not ready to surrender.”
"Instead of international pressure being directed at Israel, which only causes Hamas to harden its positions, the pressure of the international community should be directed against Hamas. This will advance the release of the hostages,” he added.
Israel has faced widespread global condemnation regarding the killing of seven humanitarian workers from the US-based charity World Central Kitchen during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on April 1.
In a phone conversation with Netanyahu on Thursday, US President Joe Biden demanded an "immediate ceasefire" and warned that US support for Israel would depend on reducing civilian casualties and enhancing humanitarian conditions.
Meanwhile, Israel withdrew its ground troops from the southern part of the Gaza Strip on Sunday, AFP reported. This partial retreat comes six months into the devastating conflict.
However, the Israeli military stated that a substantial number of forces will continue operating in other areas of the besieged Palestinian territory. These forces will be capable of carrying out intelligence-based operations with precision, AFP reported.