Tel aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government's key objectives in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip: destroying the militant group and securing the return of all hostages held in Gaza. "We are not giving up on this for a single minute," Netanyahu stated during a visit to the headquarters of military intelligence on Monday, a message also shared on the social media platform X. He emphasized that "the two goals are intertwined."
According to Ghana News Agency, Israel has faced substantial international criticism regarding its actions in Gaza. Most recently, foreign ministers from over two dozen countries issued a joint statement, urging an immediate cessation of the Gaza war. The death toll in the isolated enclave is approaching 60,000, as reported by the Hamas-controlled health ministry.
In addition to focusing on Hamas, Netanyahu highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the 'Iranian axis.' He mentioned that Israel must also confront the Houthi militia in Yemen, which receives support from Iran. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel needs to maintain the strategic gains achieved in its conflict with Iran. In June, Israel targeted nuclear facilities and missile launch sites in Iran, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran.
