TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated there is "no way" Israel will cease its military operations in Gaza, where recent airstrikes have resulted in casualties, including at least eight deaths at two hospitals on Tuesday. His comments complicate ongoing discussions about a potential ceasefire, especially after the recent release of the last living American hostage, Edan Alexander, by Hamas.
Netanyahu's remarks indicate a deepening rift between him and U.S. President Donald Trump, who had expressed hopes that Alexander's release might facilitate a broader resolution to the ongoing 19-month conflict. The Israeli military reported conducting strikes on facilities it labeled as Hamas "command and control centers" located beneath hospitals in Gaza's Khan Younis, resulting in extensive casualties and drawing condemnation from international observers.
In a statement made during a visit to wounded soldiers, Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli forces are poised for an escalation of military action aimed at "destroying Hamas." He suggested that any ceasefire agreement would be temporary, stating, "If Hamas were to say they would release more hostages, we'll take them, and then we'll go in. But there will be no way we will stop the war.” Additionally, he asserted that Israel's mission would continue until Hamas is dismantled.
Hamas has countered by demanding a more comprehensive ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for any further hostage releases. As of now, Israeli officials report that 58 hostages remain in captivity, while concerns grow about the conditions of several of them. The ongoing hostage situation has been a focal point in negotiations, highlighting the difficulties in reaching a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The recent release of Alexander, who had been in captivity since being abducted during the October 7, 2023 attack, follows negotiations between Hamas and the Trump administration that reportedly occurred outside of Israeli involvement. This incident has fueled criticism of Netanyahu, as many view his commitment to continued military action as potentially jeopardizing the lives of the remaining hostages.
Amid the conflict, humanitarian crises have escalated in Gaza. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported alarming statistics, including the deaths of 57 children due to malnutrition since the blockade began on March 2, 2025. WHO representatives have warned that if the current conditions persist, nearly 71,000 children could suffer from acute malnutrition over the coming months, labeling the situation as one of the world's worst ongoing hunger crises.
Netanyahu has also suggested a controversial plan for the post-war resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza, which has attracted backlash from Palestinian leaders and other Arab nations. He indicated that many Palestinians would be willing to leave if they were offered the opportunity, asserting, “If you give them the go-ahead, I tell you that more than 50% will leave, and I think much more.”
In the wake of the ongoing conflict, Israel has reported high casualty figures, claiming over 52,800 Palestinians, many of them women and children, have died since the fighting escalated. Reports indicate that the Israeli offensive has led to the destruction of vast parts of Gaza's urban infrastructure, displacing approximately 90% of the territory’s population multiple times throughout the conflict.
In conclusion, the complex interplay of military actions, hostage negotiations, and humanitarian crises continues to define the volatile dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with little indication of a forthcoming resolution. The international community watches closely as developments unfold, with calls for a strategic diplomatic approach gaining urgency.
