Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected the calls for a ceasefire with Hamas on Monday as Israeli troops continued their ground operations.
Netanyahu emphasized that just as the United States did not consider a ceasefire after the attack on Pearl Harbor or the terrorist acts of 9/11, Israel would not halt hostilities with Hamas after the tragic events of October 7. He viewed calls for a ceasefire as tantamount to asking Israel to surrender to Hamas, terrorism, and barbarism.
He further asserted that there’s a time for peace and a time for war, and in this case, it’s a time for war for a common future. Netanyahu called on all civilized nations to support Israel in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and to differentiate between the forces of civilization and those of barbarism.
Earlier in the week, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the release of a female Israeli soldier who had been held captive by Hamas since October 7. This release occurred while ground forces were in the Gaza Strip. Although the details are yet to be verified, the IDF and ISA confirmed through their social media that the soldier underwent a medical examination, was in good health, and was reunited with her family.
According to the Israeli army, the conflict against Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist organization in the Gaza Strip, has entered a new phase. Israeli ground troops entered Gaza amidst the ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
The major conflict erupted on October 7 when Israel and Hamas carried out an attack on Israeli civilians, leading to casualties, including men, women, and children.
The October 7 attack and subsequent actions and reactions have resulted in over 1,400 deaths on both sides of the warring factions, raising serious humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
