Netanyahu Urges 'Total Defeat' of Hamas to Free Remaining Hostages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now directing the Israeli military to intensify its campaign in Gaza, shifting focus toward achieving a decisive military victory over Hamas as the path to securing the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. The move comes after ceasefire talks broke down and hopes for a negotiated solution dwindled.

According to a senior Israeli source close to the prime minister, Netanyahu no longer believes Hamas is negotiating in good faith. “He is pushing for the release of hostages through decisive military victory,” the source said, adding that Israel is coordinating closely with the Trump administration, which has supported a full-scale deal to return all captives living and deceased.

The plan includes expanding IDF operations while increasing the delivery of humanitarian aid to areas outside Hamas control. This dual-track approach aims to further isolate the terror organization, weaken its hold on the civilian population, and apply maximum pressure for the hostages' release.

The decision follows Netanyahu’s scathing criticism of Hamas in a televised address, where he denounced the group for starving Israeli hostages and weaponizing their suffering in propaganda. It also comes days after heartbreaking videos surfaced of captives in deteriorating health, prompting nationwide anguish and international outcry.

Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff offered a more optimistic tone during remarks to families gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. “A majority of Israelis want the hostages at home, and a majority of Gaza’s public wants the return of hostages because they want the rehabilitation of the Strip,” Witkoff said, assuring them that “the plan is not to expand the war, but to end it.”

Yet Netanyahu appears convinced that only through Hamas’s collapse can true peace and justice be achieved. His government’s current strategy is one of sustained pressure militarily, diplomatically, and strategically.

As of now, around 50 hostages remain in Gaza. With negotiations stalled and global patience thinning, Israel is prepared to act decisively to bring its people home and dismantle the terror machine that holds them captive.

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