If Hamas surrenders, war can end tomorrow, says Netanyahu
Israel will do everything to bring home the hostages, Netanyahu said, warning that his country will pursue and bring to justice those who harm the hostages
The war in Gaza can end “as soon as tomorrow” if Hamas gives up its weapons and frees the hostages it abducted from Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Natanyahu said after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed.
Hours after Israel confirmed that Sinwar had been killed, Netanyahu said: “To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message -- this war can end tomorrow. It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages."
Hamas leader is killed
Sharing a video on X, he said: "Yahya Sinwar is dead. He was killed in Rafah by the brave soldiers of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it’s the beginning of the end.”
The IDF said on Thursday that Sinwar, who masterminded the Hamas onslaught on Israel in October 7 triggering the horrific Gaza war, had been slain along with two other Hamas fighters.
Also read: LIVE | Yahya Sinwar killed: Israel releases video of Hamas leader's last moments
Warning about hostages
Netanyahu said that Hamas was still holding 101 hostages in Gaza comprising citizens from 23 countries including Israel.
"Israel is committed to doing everything in our power to bring all of them home. Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages," he said.
Netanyahu warned that if the hostages were harmed, then Israel will relentlessly pursue and bring to justice those responsible.
Heaps scorn on Iran
The Israeli leader claimed that the “axis of terror that was built by Iran is collapsing before our eyes".
Netanyahu spoke about the elimination of key Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah, and said the terror imposed by the Iranian regime on its own people and in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen will end.
Also watch: One year of Israel-Hamas war: Unless big powers intervene, it will go on
He then held out a hand of friendship to the region.
"All those who seek a future of prosperity and peace in the Middle East should unite to build a better future. Together, we can push back the forces of darkness and create a future of light and hope for all of us."