Netanyahu: Second Stage of Gaza War Has Begun

Jerusalem, 28 October, 2023 (TPS) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Saturday night to press forward with the military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to ensure the Palestinian terrorist group can never again harm the Jewish people. Defense Minister also addressed reporters.

In his first press conference since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, Netanyahu confirmed that the second stage of the war had started with the incursion of ground forces into the enclave on Friday night.

Israel’s goals are the “destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, and returning the hostages home,” said the premier.

The decision to launch the ground operation was made unanimously by both the war cabinet and the wider security cabinet, he added.

Netanyahu said that the military and political echelons were committed to decimating Hamas in retaliation for the surprise attack on communities near the Gaza border. More than 1,400 people were killed and over 220 hostages taken to Gaza.

“We are determined to eradicate this evil from the world, for our existence and for all of humanity,” said the prime minister.

Gallant said, “Over the last day, we advanced to a new stage,” adding “IDF forces are maneuvering in the relevant places, and are striking Hamas arrays right now, above ground and underground.”

Regarding international concerns about humanitarian aid, Gallant said, “Let’s not delude ourselves, our enemies are not looking for humanitarian solutions.”

Gallant says the harder Israel hits Hamas, the greater the chances Hamas will agree to release hostages.

“It will not be a short war. It will be a long war,” he said. “It is us or them.”