Israeli security official predicts extended conflict with Hamas
Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi claims that the ongoing assault against Hamas in Gaza may last until the end of the year
A senior Israeli security official said Wednesday that the continuing assault against Hamas in Gaza might last until the end of the year, as Israel seeks to demolish the Palestinian terrorist group.
“We may have another seven months of fighting to consolidate our success and achieve what we have defined as the destruction of Hamas’s power and military capabilities,” National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi remarked.
Hanegbi, speaking to national broadcaster Kan from Cyprus, reiterated Israel’s military campaign aims. “Victory for us means destroying Hamas’s military capabilities, bringing back all the hostages, and ensuring that at the end of the war there are no more threats from Gaza,” he stated. “In other words, no more Iranian-funded terrorist armies on our border.”
Hanegbi stated that conversations are continuing about Gaza’s post-conflict government. “We are trying to plan what will happen after the war, so that the Palestinians will be responsible for their own lives,” he said. “We will be responsible for Israel’s security but we don’t want to rule in Gaza.”
Nearly eight months into the conflict, Israel is facing increased international pressure to stop hostilities, as well as legal challenges in two Dutch-based international tribunals. Despite this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a firm position on the need to eradicate Hamas following the group’s horrific attack on Oct. 7. According to Israeli government numbers provided by AFP, the strike killed 1,189 individuals, the majority of whom were civilians.
The original attack also resulted in the capture of 252 captives, with 121 remaining in Gaza, including 37 who the Israeli army claims are killed.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the Israeli onslaught in retaliation has killed at least 36,171 people, the majority of whom were civilians.
As the battle progresses, the future of Gaza and the wider area remains unknown, with huge humanitarian, political, and security difficulties ahead.
Source: AFP
