israeli defense minister: hamas no longer exists as a military organization
2024-09-12
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reference news reported on september 11according to a report on the times of israel website on september 10, israeli defense minister galant told foreign journalists on september 9 that hamas is no longer an organized military force in the gaza strip after the october 7 attack that triggered israel's 11-month military operation. at the same time, galant told troops later on the 10th that the idf is shifting its focus from gaza to the northern front and that they should prepare for a ground offensive there.
according to reports, galant told foreign media: "hamas no longer exists as a military organization. hamas is waging guerrilla warfare, and we are still fighting hamas terrorists and hunting down hamas leaders." he also warned that the window of opportunity to reach a temporary hostage ceasefire agreement with hamas is closing.
galant said that at least the conditions are ripe for the first phase of the proposal currently being discussed, which is a six-week ceasefire and the release of about 30 women, children, elderly and sick hostages by hamas. however, he would not commit to a permanent end to the fighting, as hamas has demanded, casting doubt on the feasibility of the agreement.
"israel should reach an agreement for a six-week ceasefire and the release of the hostages," he said. after that, he said, "we will retain the right to act and achieve our goals, including the destruction of hamas."
galant has repeatedly said israel remains committed to its "war objectives" - bringing all hostages home, destroying hamas' military and governing capacity and ensuring the group can no longer threaten israel.
as hamas has repeatedly regrouped in gaza after the idf evacuated it, and has no plan to establish an alternative post-war government, it remains unclear when or if these goals can be achieved.
