Netanyahu vows 'full force' Gaza offensive as Israel hits hospitals
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday vowed to wage a "full force" offensive in Gaza aimed at defeating Hamas once and for all, as Israeli jets struck hospitals in the city of Khan Younis, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens.
Speaking to wounded reservists at his office in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said: "The destruction of Hamas and the release of all our hostages – these two go hand in hand." He added that "in the coming days, we will go in with full force to complete the campaign," referring to a planned new ground operation.
Tens of thousands of reservists have been mobilized, although Israeli media reported that the assault may be postponed until after US President Donald Trump concludes his Gulf tour later this week.
He said that if Hamas offers to release more hostages, Israel would accept them - but would continue its offensive regardless.
"There will be no situation where we end the war," he said, adding that while a temporary ceasefire might occur, the goal remained to "go to the end."
Hospital strikes in Khan Younis
On Tuesday, the Israeli military conducted two separate strikes on hospitals in the southern city of Khan Younis.
At least six people were killed and more than 40 injured in a strike on the European Hospital, according to medics. The army said it had targeted "a precise strike on Hamas terrorists in a command and control center" located beneath the facility. The claim could not be independently verified.
Earlier in the day, three people were reported killed in another Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital. The military similarly alleged that Hamas was operating from within the medical complex.
Unconfirmed Israeli media reports suggested the target of the European Hospital strike may have been Mohammed al-Sinwar, the younger brother of the late Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar and a rising figure in the group's military wing. There was no immediate confirmation from Palestinian authorities regarding the identities of those killed. Yahya al-Sinwar was killed last year.
Missile threat from Yemen persists
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, triggering air raid sirens in cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. No injuries or damage were initially reported.
The attack coincided with a visit to Israel by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen has launched frequent missile and drone attacks at Israel since the Gaza war began in October 2023, declaring support for Hamas.
In response to previous attacks, Israel has targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, including airstrikes on the Sana'a international airport. The US had also been carrying out strikes against Houthi assets but recently announced a suspension of those operations, with Oman having brokered a ceasefire. Despite this, the Houthis' stance toward Israel remains openly hostile.
Ceasefire talks expected to resume
Negotiations on a potential ceasefire are expected to restart soon in Qatar. Hamas continues to reject disarmament and demands a full end to the war as a condition for further hostage releases. Israel has rejected those terms and insists on maintaining a long-term military presence in Gaza.
Netanyahu on Tuesday also reiterated his claim that more than half of Gaza's 2 million residents would emigrate if allowed, though he acknowledged difficulties in finding host countries and said discussions were under way to address the issue.
The comments and latest escalation have intensified Palestinian fears of renewed mass displacement, drawing comparisons to expulsions in 1948 and 1967.
According to Israel, 20 hostages are still believed to be alive in Gaza, with the status of three more unclear. The bodies of 35 deceased hostages are also still being held.
Hamas and other militant groups killed about 1,200 people in their October 7, 2023, assault and abducted over 250 hostages into Gaza, triggering the current war. According to the Hamas-run health authority, more than 52,800 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
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