Israel will not stop waging war in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed, claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The statement raises renewed questions about Netanyahu's intentions – and sharp criticism from family members of hostages.
I'm not ready to end the war and leave Hamas intact. I'm ready for a partial agreement, it's no secret, to get some of the hostages back to us, said the Prime Minister in an interview with Israeli Nu 14, a conservative TV channel often compared to American Fox, on Sunday.
Netanyahu's statements contradict the terms of the proposed ceasefire that is on the negotiating table, Israeli media notes. The agreement, presented by the US as an Israeli proposal, aims for a first ceasefire to later transition to a permanent ceasefire.
"Not interested"
Netanyahu continues to put obstacles in the way of an agreement, writes Haaretz.
Today, Netanyahu has made it clear that he is not interested in the release of all hostages, sources involved in the ceasefire negotiations tell the newspaper.
In such a situation, there is no reason for (Hamas leader Yahya) Sinwar to move forward with the agreement.
Family members of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza are also directing sharp criticism at the Prime Minister's statement.
"No future here"
Niva Wenkert, whose 22-year-old son Omer was kidnapped at the Nova music festival on 7 October last year, says according to Haaretz that Netanyahu appears to have given up on the hostages.
One day Netanyahu says there is an agreement on the table and the hostages will be released. The next day he says something else. How can I avoid going crazy?
I am a law-abiding citizen and a Zionist. But if my country does not rescue my son, we have no future here, she says in the Israeli parliament.
Sunday's interview was Netanyahu's first with a Hebrew media outlet since the extremist organisation Hamas's comprehensive attack on Israel on 7 October. The attack marked the start of the ongoing war in Gaza.
