Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told reporters Monday that international pressure for a cease-fire is mounting and that Israel has a “window” of two to three weeks for continued operations in Gaza before pressure for a cease-fire intensifies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday described Hamas fighters as “simply savages” and vowed to press ahead till achieving “total victory.” Families of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza gathered outside the main U.N. offices in Jerusalem on Monday to demand the world body secures the release of their loved ones.
Quick Read
- Israeli Foreign Minister’s Statement: Eli Cohen, Israel’s Foreign Minister, indicated that international pressure for a cease-fire in Gaza is increasing, with a potential two to three-week “window” for continued Israeli operations. He later stated that Israel’s campaign would persist regardless of external pressures.
- Political Reactions in Israel: Israeli politicians, including Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar, emphasized the priority of Israeli civilians and the return of hostages, suggesting a commitment to continue the conflict until these objectives are achieved.
- Netanyahu’s Visit and Remarks: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops in Southern Israel, labeling Hamas fighters as “savages” and expressing determination for a complete victory.
- Families of Hostages Rally in Jerusalem: Relatives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza gathered at the U.N. offices in Jerusalem, demanding action from the international body for the release of their loved ones.
- United Nations’ Involvement: The U.N. assured the families that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of hostages, involving discussions with various stakeholders, including Qatar.
The Associated Press has the story:
Israel’s FM says 2-3 week ‘window’ for Gaza war, as ceasefire pressure grows
Newslooks- Jerusalem (AP)
Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told reporters Monday that international pressure for a cease-fire is mounting and that Israel has a “window” of two to three weeks for continued operations in Gaza before pressure for a cease-fire intensifies.
However, later Monday, the foreign minister said on social media that “there is no hourglass” and Israel would keep fighting in Gaza.
“Even once international credit runs out, we will continue to advance our two goals: dismantling Hamas, and returning all the hostages,” Cohen said in a video on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Some Israeli politicians dismissed Cohen’s comments about the mounting calls for a cease-fire.
“With all due respect to political pressures, our commitment is first to the residents of the south and Israeli civilians who paid a heavy and terrible price,” Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar posted on X. “We must win this war and return the hostages home. No matter how long it takes.”
NETANYAHU VISITS TROOPS IN SOUTHERN ISRAEL
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday described Hamas fighters as “simply savages” and vowed to press ahead till achieving “total victory.”
Visiting fighters of Israel’s Desert Reconnaissance Battalion – also known as the “Bedouin Battalion” – Netanyahu said: “Our partnership is the future of all of us against these savages, simply savages. You are all imbued with the same goal – we are going to win.”
Netanyahu’s language about Hamas is part of Israel’s broader messaging that the country is battling a war of good vs. evil.
“There are no breaks here, there are no half things here. It’s not an ‘operation’, it’s not a ‘round,’” he said. “We will go until total victory here.”
Bedouins make up a small group within Israel’s Arab minority.
HOSTAGES’ FAMILIES RALLY IN JERUSALEM TO DEMAND UNITED NATIONS SECURE THEIR RELEASE
JERUSALEM — Families of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza gathered outside the main U.N. offices in Jerusalem on Monday to demand the world body secures the release of their loved ones.
A representative of the group handed over a letter to the top U.N. official in Jerusalem addressed to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“We urge you to exercise your moral and executive authority as secretary general of the United Nations,” Gil Dickman said reading out the letter addressed to Guterres.
The family members held pictures of their loved ones as they gathered around toddler beds placed outside the U.N. compound in Jerusalem.
“I just came to ask for the U.N. to help us,” said Yoav Engel, father of Ofir Engel, held hostage by Hamas.
“My kid is there 38 days and other 238 people, babies, kids, teenagers, adults, sick men. And no one know what’s going on with them,” Engel said.
Pascal Soto, the top official of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, told the families Guterres is “doing his outmost” to secure the release of hostages and was in talks with different stakeholders, including Qatar.
