by Israel Vows to Continue Gaza Campaign Until War Objectives Met, as Pressure Mounts for Ceasefire and Hostage Release
Tel Aviv/Gaza – August 8, 2025:
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving its war objectives in Gaza, stating that the military would continue operations until all goals were accomplished — including the dismantling of Hamas and the release of the remaining hostages.
“There are no shortcuts,” Katz declared. “The military will carry out every directive of the government until our objectives are fulfilled — this is the only way forward.”
According to Israeli officials, around 50 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza. Of these, only about 20 are thought to be alive. The hostage crisis began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israeli towns, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 individuals.
So far, most hostages released have been freed through diplomatic negotiations. However, ceasefire talks collapsed in July, stalling further progress.
A senior Palestinian official claimed that Hamas had told Arab mediators it would consider returning to ceasefire negotiations if humanitarian aid to Gaza was increased. Yet, Israeli authorities allege that Hamas continues to divert aid for its fighters and sells supplies in local markets to fund its operations — accusations Hamas has denied.
Recent videos of two emaciated hostages sparked global outrage, highlighting the urgency of a humanitarian resolution.
Meanwhile, the human cost of the war continues to rise. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 61,000 Palestinians have died since Israel began its military campaign. At least 98 were killed in the last 24 hours alone, as Israeli forces continue to target Hamas strongholds.
Israel’s military currently controls approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip, but the war has led to widespread displacement. More than 2 million Palestinians have been uprooted — many multiple times — as the war drags into its 22nd month.
“Where should we go?” asked Aya Mohammad, 30, a Gaza City resident. “We have been displaced and humiliated enough. Displacement means your dignity is wiped out. You become a homeless beggar searching for food, water, and medicine.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under mounting international pressure to agree to a ceasefire. At the same time, he faces resistance from within his far-right coalition, with hardline ministers calling for a full occupation of Gaza and a return of Israeli settlements.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reiterated on Wednesday his hope that the military will soon control all of Gaza. “The government must act decisively,” he said. “There can be no return to the status quo.”
Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for nearly 20 years but now holds only fragmented areas, says any agreement must result in a permanent end to the war — a condition Israel rejects.
With millions displaced, hostages still in captivity, and starvation looming in Gaza, the international community continues to call for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire that would end the war and free the remaining hostages.
Discover more from NEWSBABAONLINE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
