Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has issued a strong warning to Hamas, urging them to surrender as Israel's military offensive in Gaza shows no signs of abating.
Speaking in response to the relentless violence, Netanyahu declared that it is "the beginning of the end" for the terror group, as per Daily Mail.
Israel Closes in on Hamas Leader as Gaza Death Toll Rises
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 20: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to attend a photo opportunity with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the United Nations Headquarters on September 20, 2023 in New York City.
Israel's Defence Forces have reported that they are closing in on Yahya Sinwar, the top leader of Hamas in Gaza, whom they have dubbed 'Gaza's Bin Laden.' The battle that has been going on has claimed the lives of nearly 300 Palestinians in the past 24 hours alone, with both sides engaged in intense clashes.
The ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, extending over six weeks, caused considerable damage. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened by air strikes, and ground troops are still facing heavy resistance from Hamas fighters.
Ashraf al-Qudra, the spokesperson for Gaza's health ministry, revealed that 297 people were killed and over 550 wounded in the past day, bringing the total death toll since the start of the conflict on October 7 to more than 18,000, the majority of whom are women and children.
In response to Israel's attacks, Hamas has warned that none of the captives they took on October 7 would leave Gaza alive unless their demands were met. Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida stated during a televised broadcast that their prisoners would be released only through negotiation and in exchange for meeting the resistance's demands.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, called on Hamas to surrender, stating, "It is the beginning of the end of Hamas. I say to the Hamas terrorists: It's over. Don't die for Sinwar. Surrender now," referring to the chief of Hamas in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.
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Israel's Violent Raids Deepen Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Hamas reported that Israel had launched "very violent raids" targeting the southern city of Khan Younis and the road connecting it to Rafah, near the border with Egypt. Residents also witnessed fierce fighting in the neighborhoods of Shujayea in Gaza City and the Jabalia refugee camp.
The situation has become increasingly dire, with medical teams and the wounded facing constant threats due to ongoing bombardment. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with a limited supply of vital resources, including water, sustenance, and electricity. The residences of numerous civilians have been forcibly evacuated, describing the journey as the "journey of death."
Despite numerous calls for a cease-fire, the fighting persists, and casualties on both sides continue to rise. The World Health Organization and other international organizations have emphasized the urgent need for immediate passage of humanitarian relief and the protection of civilians and medical personnel in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The situation in Gaza remains in flux as both Israel and Hamas continue their confrontations. The situation continues to be closely monitored by the international community, and efforts to secure a lasting cease-fire and bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict are ongoing, USA Today reported.
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