Israel PM Netanyahu says prepared to resume war in Gaza 'at any moment'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday (February 23) said his nation was prepared to resume the war in Gaza “at any moment” to fulfil their objective either through “negotiations or by other means”.

“We are prepared to resume intense fighting at any moment,” Netanyahu said at a ceremony for combat officers, a day after Israel halted the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of a truce deal. “In Gaza, we have eliminated most of Hamas’s organised forces, but let there be no doubt – we will complete the war’s objectives entirely – whether through negotiation or by other means,” he added.

The PM was addressing a ceremony for combat officers, a day after his government halted the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu Sunday said they won’t release 620 Palestinian prisoners until and unless militant group Hamas stops its “humiliating ceremonies” while releasing the hostages.

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“In light of Hamas’ repeated violations – including the disgraceful ceremonies that dishonour our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda – it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists that was planned for yesterday [Saturday] until the release of the next hostages is ensured, without the humiliating ceremonies,” a statement issued by the Israel PMO read.

Hamas responds

While responding to Netanyahu’s statement, Hamas said the decision to halt the release of prisoners, as spelt out in the truce agreement, was a pretext by Israel to evade its obligations.

“Netanyahu’s decision reflects a deliberate attempt to disrupt the agreement, represents a blatant violation of its terms, and shows the occupation’s lack of reliability in implementing its obligations,” said Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau.

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Hamas started releasing hostages, facilitated by the Red Cross, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners after the ceasefire agreement took effect on 19 January.

Around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, with 251 others taken hostage to Gaza.

In response, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Hamas, resulting in at least 48,319 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

(With inputs from agencies)