Israel’s Stand on Gaza: Military Action or Diplomacy?
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has once again escalated, with Israel making it clear that Hamas now has only two options—either return to diplomatic negotiations or face complete military action. Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar, in a recent statement, emphasized that Israel has no choice but to use military pressure since Hamas has refused to release the remaining hostages despite multiple mediation attempts.
The 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has ended, and the situation has intensified. According to Ambassador Azar, Hamas violated the ceasefire agreement by failing to release all the hostages as promised. This violation, he stated, left Israel with no option but to continue its military operations in Gaza until the region is completely free from Hamas’s control.
Ambassador Azar highlighted that peace could be achieved immediately if Hamas agrees to two key conditions: releasing all hostages and ensuring that it will never rearm to launch attacks against Israel. However, he noted that Hamas has refused to comply with these conditions. The ambassador stated that Hamas has rejected multiple proposals from American mediators and has repeatedly refused to release the hostages.
He further explained that military pressure has already proven effective, as it was the reason why 195 of the 254 hostages were released. Israel believes that continued military operations will eventually force Hamas to comply or face complete destruction.
US Support and Global Condemnation
Israel has received full backing from the United States in its efforts to eliminate terrorist elements from Gaza. Washington has maintained its stance that Hamas must be dismantled for there to be lasting peace in the region for both Israelis and Palestinians. However, the escalation of military actions in Gaza has led to widespread global condemnation.
Reacting to this condemnation, Ambassador Azar dismissed it as ineffective, stating that criticism does not change the facts on the ground. He reiterated that Hamas continues to hold hostages, not just from Israel but also from other nations, and that it is using the Palestinian population as human shields. He accused Hamas of exploiting aid meant for the people of Gaza by controlling and reselling supplies for profit.
Ambassador Azar made it clear that Israel will not succumb to international pressure and will continue its operations until Hamas is completely removed from Gaza. He urged the international community to put pressure on Hamas instead, rather than condemning Israel’s actions. He called for diplomatic efforts to remove Hamas leaders from Gaza and replace them with a moderate Palestinian leadership that can rebuild the region and bring long-term peace.
Hamas’s Only Two Options
According to Ambassador Azar, Hamas is left with only two choices. The first option is to return to negotiations and accept the terms set by Israel, which include releasing the remaining hostages and ensuring that it never arms itself again. This, he said, would bring an end to the military campaign.
The second option is for Hamas to continue resisting, which will lead to an all-out ground invasion by Israeli forces across Gaza. In this scenario, Israel will completely eliminate Hamas and transfer control of Gaza to a new Palestinian leadership backed by responsible international stakeholders. Ambassador Azar emphasized that Israel is fully prepared for this military action if necessary.
He clarified that while Israel prefers diplomacy, it will not hesitate to use military force if Hamas refuses to comply. The goal, he said, is to ensure that Gaza is no longer controlled by a terrorist organization and that the Palestinian people can have a better future without Hamas’s influence.
The Situation During Ramadan
Ambassador Azar also addressed concerns about religious freedom during the ongoing conflict. He pointed out that during Ramadan, more than 75,000 Muslims come daily to pray in Jerusalem, and Israel fully supports religious freedom. He stressed that Israel is targeting only terrorists, not civilians, and that its military operations are directed solely at eliminating Hamas.
What Lies Ahead?
With Hamas still holding 59 hostages and refusing to negotiate, the likelihood of further military action seems inevitable. The Israeli government remains firm in its position that Hamas must be removed from Gaza, either through diplomacy or military means.
As tensions rise, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Hamas will choose diplomacy or continue its resistance, which could lead to even greater destruction. The situation in Gaza remains uncertain, but Israel has made its stance clear—it will not stop until Hamas is completely eliminated or agrees to a peaceful resolution.