Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the “fight against terrorism will continue around the clock,” at a weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday (4/8).
He specifically offered condolences to the families of two victims of Sunday morning's stabbing attack, carried out by a Palestinian on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, and warned Iran that Israel was “prepared for any scenario, in terms of defense and attack.”
Tensions have been running high as the nearly 10-month-long Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza rages on, and the killing of two senior Hamas figures in separate attacks in Lebanon and Iran last week. The killings have prompted threats of retaliation from Iran and its allies, and raised fears of an even more devastating war in the region.
Speaking about negotiations to release the remaining Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, Netanyahu said “Hamas has not yet agreed to the most basic terms of the proposed deal.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is among the top officials in recent days who have called for a ceasefire, saying it is the only way to break the cycle of violence and suffering.
Thousands of Israelis Return to Streets, Demand Return of Hostages
Scores of Israeli protesters have taken to the streets and blocked highways in Tel Aviv and elsewhere to call on Netanyahu to reach an immediate ceasefire deal and release hostages held by Hamas. They have also called for Netanyahu to resign.
The demonstrations came as long-running efforts to broker a ceasefire gained momentum early last month when Hamas dropped its main demand: an Israeli commitment to end the war.
However, Hamas still wants guarantees from mediators for a permanent ceasefire. Netanyahu vowed to continue fighting until Israel destroys Hamas' military and government capabilities.
Nearly 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza Killed
The Israel-Hamas war began with an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people. Hamas also kidnapped about 250 others, most of whom were released in the first ceasefire agreement last November.
Israel has launched a retaliatory air and ground offensive on Gaza, which the Palestinian Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory has so far killed at least 39,583 people and wounded 91,398, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, the territory controlled by Hamas. Most of the victims are women and children. (em/jm)
