New Delhi [India], March 19 (ANI): In statements made on Wednesday, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, mentioned that Israel sees no alternative but to resume military action to recover the hostages, since Hamas has repeatedly dismissed suggestions put forth by American intermediaries.
Azar said that Israel aligns completely with the stance of the US administration. He pointed out that the US administration shares the view that Hamas has consistently refused offers to extend the truce, thus necessitating increased military pressure to alter this state of affairs.
Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments on restarting comprehensive combat operations in Gaza, he stated, “Given that Hamas has repeatedly turned down several offers from U.S. intermediaries, we must resume military pressure as an unavoidable step. Our aim is to recover our captives and ensure Hamas relinquishes control over the Gaza Strip. Therefore, consistency is crucial; we can’t accept being blackmailed for the release of the hostages.”
Regarding whether Israel has notified the U.S. administration about their decision, he replied, “We are fully aligned with the administration. We have maintained constant coordination with them. The administration entirely agrees with our stance that Hamas has consistently refused offers to extend the truce. Consequently, applying military pressure is necessary to alter the circumstances and advance toward peace in Gaza.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the IDF to undertake robust actions against the Hamas terror organization in the Gaza Strip.
The decision comes after Hamas persistently declined to free Israeli hostages and dismissed all offers made through US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and other intermediaries, as stated by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Consequently, Israeli forces initiated extensive attacks on Hamas locations throughout the Gaza Strip. The statement continued: “At present, the IDF is targeting sites affiliated with the Hamas terror organization within the Gaza Strip to meet the wartime goals set by the political leadership, which include securing the release of all our captives, both alive and those who have passed away.”
The Israeli government cautioned that it will “now take action against Hamas using escalating military force.” This recent operation adheres to a strategy outlined by the IDF during the previous weekend and later endorsed by the country’s political leaders.
The IDF verified the attacks in a posting on X (previously known as Twitter), indicating, "As directed by the political leadership, both the IDF and ISA are presently carrying out comprehensive operations against terror targets affiliated with the Hamas terrorist organization within the Gaza Strip." (ANI)
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