Netanyahu: Israel will seize Gaza even if Hamas accepts ceasefire

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed plans to conduct a full military takeover of Gaza in an interview with Sky News Australia, even if Hamas agrees to a ceasefire and releases captives.

Netanyahu said that 'Israel' is “on the verge of completing this war,” a claim he has made repeatedly over the past year and a half regarding operations in Gaza. After 22 months of resisting calls to end the war in exchange for the release of the captives, the 'Israeli' government recently approved plans to seize Gaza City, where roughly one million residents are sheltering. The plan has faced international criticism for its potential humanitarian impact and risks to hostages.

When asked if 'Israel' would continue its military campaign even if Hamas agreed to a truce, Netanyahu replied, “We’re going to do that anyway. That there was never a question that we’re not going to leave Hamas there,” adding that the war “could end today” if Hamas “lays down its arms and releases the remaining 50 hostages, at least 20 of which are alive.”

Netanyahu framed the operation as a liberation from Hamas rule, saying his goal is “to free Gaza, free them from Hamas tyranny, free Israel and others from Hamas terrorism, give Gaza and Israel a different future.”