Israel bombs Hamas after PM Netanyahu says 'intense' phase of Gaza war winding down
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli military bombed Hamas on Monday (June 24) a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the "intense phase" of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip was winding down. He stressed that the war would continue until the militant group no longer controlled the besieged Palestinian enclave.
In his first TV interview since Hamas' Oct 7 assault, Netanyahu on Sunday (June 23) stated that once the intense phase comes to an end, the Israeli forces would be deployed along the northern border with Lebanon, where the fighting with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group has intensified.
"The intense phase of the fighting against Hamas is about to end," Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel's Channel 14.
"This doesn't mean that the war is about to end, but the war in its intense phase is about to end in Rafah," he said.
He then said that the aim was to "uproot the Hamas regime in Gaza," rejecting the Palestinian militant group's demand for a complete ceasefire.
Netanyahu further stated that Israel would return its displaced citizens to their evacuated northern border communities amid fears of a full-scale war in Lebanon.
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"After the intense phase is finished, we will have the possibility to move part of the forces north. And we will do this. First and foremost for defensive purposes. And secondly, to bring our (evacuated) residents home," the Israeli PM stated.
"If we can we will do this diplomatically. If not, we will do it another way. But we will bring (the residents) home," he added.
On being asked about the post-war scenarios in Gaza, Netanyahu said Israel would maintain "military control in the foreseeable future" but that "we also want to create a civilian administration, if possible with local Palestinians" and regional backing.
Hamas slams Netanyahu
Hamas hit out at the Israeli prime minister stating that his remarks were a "clear confirmation of his rejection of the recent (UN) Security Council resolution and the proposal of US President Joe Biden," who called for the release of hostages and a truce deal.
The Palestinian militant group then stated that any such agreement must include a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal in order to stop what it termed "Netanyahu's attempts to evade, deceive and perpetuate the aggression and war of extermination against our people".
(With inputs from agencies)