Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his determination to continue the war in the Gaza Strip.
On the 19th (local time), according to CNN and other broadcasts, Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a television address, "There is no choice but to fight for our existence."
In a pre-recorded video message, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized, "If we succumb to Hamas's demands now, all the achievements made by our soldiers, the fallen, and the injured heroes will be lost," stating that he would not end the war until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages are brought back.
Hamas is currently holding 59 hostages, of whom 24 are reported to be alive.
Israel recently transmitted a new ceasefire proposal to Hamas through Egypt, the mediating country. This proposal includes a 45-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian detainees, conditioned on Hamas prioritizing the release of 10 hostages and fully disarming.
However, Hamas rejected the proposal, stating that it did not include the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the permanent cessation of the war, and that disarmament was unacceptable.
In response, Israel is increasing the intensity and scale of airstrikes to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and disarming, while Prime Minister Netanyahu faces strong anti-war sentiment domestically.
According to a poll released by Israel's Channel 12 News at the end of last month, nearly 70% supported the release of hostages and a cessation of war in the Gaza Strip, while only 21% opposed a ceasefire.