Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embarked on a tour of a tunnel within the besieged Gaza Strip, asserting a commitment to "eradicate" Hamas.
In a video released by his office on Sunday, Netanyahu, adorned in military gear, declared, "We are here in the (Gaza) Strip." During the tour, he received a briefing from commanders and explored an underground tunnel affiliated with Hamas, which had been exposed during the conflict, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Outlining Israel's objectives for the offensive initiated on October 7 in response to a surprise attack by Hamas, Netanyahu emphasized the goals of "eliminating" Hamas, securing the release of approximately 240 hostages held by the group, and ensuring that Gaza would no longer pose a threat to Israel.
"We are pressing forward until the very end – until victory. Nothing will hinder us," Netanyahu affirmed, surrounded by soldiers. He also expressed determination to bring back Israeli hostages, asserting, "We are exerting every possible effort, and eventually, we will succeed."
The visit occurred on the third day of a tentative truce between Israel and Hamas, marked by the delivery of crucial aid to Gaza and the release of around 50 hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners.
Reports indicate that weeks of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the tragic loss of over 14,000 lives, with 40% being children. Many others are still unaccounted for, feared to be trapped beneath the debris, according to the Health Ministry run by Hamas. Israeli statistics suggest that about 1,200 people, primarily casualties from the initial attack triggering the conflict, lost their lives.
(With Agency Inputs)
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