Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday visited his troops in northern Gaza – and made a “tour” of Hamas terrorist tunnels – for the first time since the war began.
Coming into the third day of a temporary ceasefire in the Palestinian territories, Netanyahu reiterated his country’s commitment to freeing the hostages held in Gaza while vowing to eliminate the terrorist group.
“We have three goals for this war: eliminate Hamas, return all our hostages and make sure Gaza is no longer a threat to the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said, according to a video released by his office. “We will continue until the end, until victory.
“Nothing will stop us, and we are confident that we have the power, strength, will and determination to achieve all the goals of the war, and we will do it,” he pledged.
Along with addressing the IDF soldiers, the prime minister also visited one of the tunnels discovered by the Israeli army that lead to Hamas’ 300-mile underground network.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu (center, in black) visited his troops in northern Gaza for the first time since the war began. Israel Prime Minister’s Office/AFP via Getty Images Netanyahu also toured Hamas tunnels cleared by the IDF.Israel Prime Minister’s Office/AFP via Getty Images
Netanyahu has warned in recent years that the tunnel system could be used to kidnap Israelis, a scenario that came true during the October 7 massacre that saw more than 1,200 people killed and nearly 240 taken hostage in Israel.
Despite declaring that the war will not end until Hamas is destroyed for its actions on October 7, Netanyahu was among Israeli leaders who voted to strike a ceasefire deal with the terror group in exchange for the freedom of dozens of hostages.
The ceasefire, which took effect Thursday, is expected to last until Monday, with nearly 60 hostages released so far.
Netanyahu said his country is committed to freeing hostages taken by Hamas and destroying the terrorist group.AP Margalit Mozes was among the first group of hostages released Friday.AP
Confirming the release of 4-year-old American-Israeli Abigail Edan on Sunday — the first American to be freed since the start of the temporary truce — President Biden told reporters that his administration was working to extend the truce past Monday’s deadline.
Speaking at the White House, Biden said he was still in talks with his Israeli counterpart to see the ceasefire extended as long as additional hostages were released.
“For weeks I have been advocating for a pause in the fighting for two purposes: to increase aid to the Gazan civilians in need, and to facilitate the release of the hostages,” Biden said.
“That’s our goal, to keep this pause beyond tomorrow,” he added.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
