Israel Approaches End of Hamas Military Capabilities, Netanyahu Says

Israel is nearing the completion of the elimination of the military capabilities of the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday.

"We are approaching the end of the phase of Hamas's destruction, and attacks on the remaining potential will continue," Netanyahu's statement was quoted by Western media.

Last week, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, that the Israel Defense Forces have virtually delivered the "final blow" to Hamas militants in Rafah.

"We are getting to the point where we can say that we have completely destroyed the Hamas brigade located in Rafah," Halevi stated.

At the same time, Netanyahu affirmed that his country remains "committed to the ceasefire proposal made by Israel, which was welcomed by U.S. President Biden." However, he repeatedly emphasized that Israel "will not end the war until all hostages are returned" and "Hamas is destroyed."