In the midst of escalating hostilities, Israeli leaders have issued unequivocal statements signalling their intent to obliterate the Palestinian terror group, Hamas. These declarations come as the Israel-Hamas conflict reaches its sixth day, with the region plunged into a state of war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant made resolute vows to annihilate Hamas.
Defence Minister Gallant’s statement was stark and uncompromising: “We will wipe out Hamas,” he declared alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We will wipe them off the face of the Earth.” These words, uttered on the same day as the conflict’s milestone, emphasise Israel’s unwavering commitment to this mission. This is after all, Israel’s war on terror.
Netanyahu, who recently formed an emergency government and wartime Cabinet, issued a clarion call for the destruction of Hamas. He declared that every member of the Palestinian terrorist group is “a dead man.” Drawing a direct comparison between Hamas and the Islamic State terror group, also known as Daesh, the Israeli Prime Minister emphasised their resolve to “crush them and destroy them,” just as the world had vanquished Daesh.
These statements, delivered jointly with the war cabinet, indicate that Israel may be in the final stages of preparations for what officials believe could be an invasion of the Gaza Strip which has been long under the control of Hamas.
The conflict’s toll has been devastating, with attacks by Hamas terrorists and subsequent Israeli retaliation claiming over 2,300 lives. The Israeli authorities reported more than 1,200 casualties on their side, including 155 soldiers. As this tragic loss of life continues, the Israeli leadership’s resolve to eliminate Hamas remains unwavering.
In a remarkable development amidst the intensifying conflict, Prime Minister Netanyahu formed an emergency unity government, uniting with former defence chief and centrist opposition party leader Benny Gantz. This move underscores Israel’s commitment to a unified response to the crisis, focusing entirely on bringing the conflict to an end.
The international community has been quick to respond, with U.S. President Joe Biden condemning the attack on southern Israel by Hamas gunmen as “sheer evil.” President Biden’s statement also carried a veiled warning aimed at those supporting Hamas, including Iran.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, maintains that it is still actively fighting within Israel, and Israeli forces have been deployed north of the Gaza Strip in response to these ongoing clashes. The situation remains fluid, and retaliatory strikes on the blockaded Gaza enclave have further escalated the humanitarian crisis, with Palestinian officials reporting 1,055 deaths and 5,184 wounded.
The determination of the Israeli government to root out Hamas and restore peace to the region remains steadfast. Just as IS ISN’T anymore, Hamas would soon be turned to hummus.