Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar stated that the Gaza war will continue until Hamas is wiped out from the Gaza strip. During an interview with NDTV World, Azar referred to the expiration of the 42-day temporary truce agreement during which Hamas failed to release the hostages as per the agreement, violating the conditions and given the fact that Israel had no choice but to intensify military pressure.
“Peace can be attained today if Hamas would accept the terms,” Azar said, noting that the key terms are the release of all the remaining hostages and a commitment not to arm itself in anticipation of future attacks on Israel. But he contended that Hamas’s refusal to release the hostages demonstrates its lack of interest in peace. “Hamas has repeatedly spurned proposals by the American mediator, leaving Israel with no choice but to intensify military action.”
Emphasizing the power of military pressure, Azar highlighted that it had already achieved freeing 195 hostages out of a total of 254. America supports Israel wholly in its effort to eradicate the terrorizing influence from Gaza as well as bring Israelis and Palestinians lasting peace.
Azar assured Israel’s determination to achieve its objectives at any cost, stating, “If a diplomatic solution is not reached, we will pursue military action.” In response to international condemnation, he stated, “Condemnations do not alter the reality: a terrorist organization in Gaza continues to hold hostages. This situation endangers not only Israelis but also the Palestinian population.”
He blamed Hamas for exploiting humanitarian aid, stating that the organization sells aid meant for Palestinians and therefore extortion of the population in an attempt to pressure Israel into concessions. “This will not happen,” he asserted, demanding international pressure be directed at Hamas instead of denouncing Israel. He demanded that global leaders rally behind a shift toward a new, moderate Palestinian leadership that would focus on the rebuilding of Gaza toward a brighter future.
According to Azar’s standards, the international community’s stance of not putting pressure using the military is equivalent to requesting Israel to surrender to a terror group. “Such a situation is not acceptable,” he declared categorically, calling for Hamas to abandon Gaza.
“Hamas has two options: return to the negotiating table in a positive manner or face a ground incursion in order to destroy all terror forces,” he stated. Azar said that Israel wants diplomacy, but it is prepared to take stronger action if necessary.
Wrapping up his remarks, the Ambassador mentioned religious freedom in Israel, citing over 75,000 Muslims pray daily in Jerusalem during Ramadan. “Our interest is combating terrorism, not religion,” he emphasized.
At the moment, Hamas still retains 59 Israeli hostages and does not let them out despite the tensions.
