Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would completely eliminate Hamas in his first public remark since US President Donald Trump claimed that Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire plan in Gaza.
Speaking at the EAPC facilities in Ashkelon, he said, “There will be no more Hamas – it's over. We will free all of our hostages and eliminate Hamas down to its very foundations. Expected revenues from gas in the coming decade will be almost NIS 300 billion.”
Netanyahu's stern statement came as Hamas said it was “ready and serious” to the Washington-proposed 60-day ceasefire but reiterated that any agreement must include a complete end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal, demands that Israel continues to reject. Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal.
Trump said this week that Israel had agreed to the key points required for a 60-day ceasefire after a meeting between his representatives and Israeli officials. He described the proposal as a "final" offer aimed at stopping the fighting in Gaza.
There has been rising pressure on Netanyahu to bring an end to the conflict. However, several members of his right-wing coalition remain firmly against any lasting truce with Hamas. As ceasefire efforts continue, several ministers from Israel's Likud party pushed for Israel to annex the West Bank before the Knesset’s summer recess.
Netanyahu’s trip to the US next week will likely include further discussions with Trump on a possible Gaza ceasefire and a deal to release hostages held by Hamas.
