Netanyahu Urges Hamas to Surrender Amid Ongoing Israeli Forces Operations in South Gaza.

New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the surrender and arrest of hundreds of Hamas combatants in Gaza signal the beginning of the terror group’s demise. “The war is still ongoing, but it is the beginning of the end of Hamas. I say to the Hamas terrorists: It’s over. Don’t die for (Yahya) Sinwar. Surrender now,” Netanyahu said in a statement, referring to the chief of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Despite Netanyahu’s statements, Hamas has shown resilience, warning Israel that no hostages will leave Gaza alive unless the group’s demands are met. Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, said in a televised broadcast, “Neither the fascist enemy and its arrogant leadership…nor its supporters… can take their prisoners alive without an exchange and negotiation and meeting the demands of the resistance,” reported the news agency.

Notably, more than 17,100 Palestinians have been killed and 48,780 have been wounded in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7.

In addition, nearly 1,200 people have been killed in Israel since the start of the war.

The Israel-Hamas war continues, with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) conducting a ground operation in Gaza. The Qatar-brokered ceasefire deal concluded at the beginning of December, and Israeli tanks advanced into Southern Gaza’s main city, Khan Younis, in a significant push. The IDF’s offensive has faced criticism from the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized the importance of Israel prioritizing civilian protection.

Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, with Syria’s air defenses engaging “enemy targets.” Prime Minister Netanyahu also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing dissatisfaction with Russia’s positions against Israel at the UN and criticizing the cooperation between Russia and Iran.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of Gaza’s collapse, anticipating a breakdown in public order, increased risk of epidemic diseases, and pressure for mass displacement into Egypt. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation said it would be all but impossible to improve the “catastrophic” situation in Gaza, where medical needs had surged and the risk of disease had grown while the health system had been greatly reduced.

In summary, Netanyahu asserts the weakening of Hamas, while the conflict persists with both sides maintaining their positions and facing international scrutiny.