Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the mission to eliminate the key planners behind Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths, is nearing completion. His remarks followed an Israeli military announcement that a Hamas military commander had been killed in airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
On May 17, during a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated, "I promise to eliminate those who designed the massacre and hostage-taking, and we are very close to completing this mission." He referred to the deceased commander, Ezzedin al-Haddad, as a "despicable terrorist."
The Israeli military previously reported that al-Haddad was killed in airstrikes on May 15. Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, Israel has continued operations targeting the political and military leadership of the group.
Israel has also claimed to have eliminated Yahya Sinwar, identified as a key architect of the October 7 attack, along with Muhammad Deif, a long-time leader of Hamas's military wing. According to AFP, the attack resulted in 1,221 deaths in Israel.
Netanyahu also addressed the extent of Israeli military control in the Gaza Strip, stating, "The Israeli military currently controls 60% of the Gaza Strip." This aligns with recent reports indicating that Israeli forces have advanced toward a newly established operational boundary known as the "Orange Line."
Israel and Hamas entered a ceasefire, mediated by the United States, on October 10 of the previous year. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces were to withdraw to the so-called "Yellow Line," but even then, over 50% of the Gaza Strip would remain under Israeli control. Netanyahu's statement about 60% control suggests that the operational scope of Israeli forces may have expanded beyond the agreed withdrawal line.
Netanyahu emphasized, "We are pressuring Hamas," adding, "Our mission is to ensure that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel."
The humanitarian toll in the Gaza Strip has also risen significantly. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is governed by Hamas, over 72,700 people have died as a result of Israeli military operations since October 2023, with the majority of casualties being civilians. The United Nations considers the Gaza Health Ministry's statistics to be reliable data.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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