Share this @internewscast.com

In a speech Sunday, the Israeli prime minister said the pause would be “welcome,” but after that “we will go to realizing our goals with full force: eliminating Hamas, ensuring that Gaza will not go back to being what it was.”

Meanwhile Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, told a news briefing Tuesday that his troops were ready to resume fighting “today” if necessary and were using the pause for “learning” and “strengthening readiness” to “dismantle Hamas.”

‘Our eyes are on the prize’

These statements are being made against a backdrop of colossal pressure on the Israeli government being exerted from multiple sides. Following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in which 1,200 people were killed and some 240 kidnapped, the vast majority of Israelis support the goals of toppling Hamas and freeing the hostages — more than 90%, according to a poll the Israel Democracy Institute released Friday.

But there is a latent tension within that consensus.

The same survey said 49% of people deemed the hostages most important, while 37% prioritized toppling Hamas. The first group is led by the victims’ family members, who have campaigned tirelessly for a longer cease-fire, partly because they fear their loved ones will be killed in the fighting. 

“Our eyes are on the prize and we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Zohar Avigdori, whose sister-in-law, Sharon Avigdori, and nephew, Noam, were kidnapped from Kibbutz Be’eri and released Saturday. He spoke in a call with journalists Tuesday of the families’ “determination of the pause not stopping until the last hostage is back.” But he acknowledged there was a “concern” this won’t happen.

In fact, Israel has indicated that it may expand its ground campaign into southern Gaza, where it told northern residents to flee but where it says some Hamas leaders have also taken refuge.

That’s prompting concern in the U.S. government.

The U.S. has been calling on Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians, some 15,000 of whom have been killed in the conflict so far, including more than 5,000 children, according to Palestinian officials. And a senior Biden administration official said the White House does not want to see a repeat once the fighting restarts.

“You cannot have the sort of scale of displacement that took place in the north replicated in the south,” the official said on a call with journalists. “We don’t support them moving in the south unless or until they can demonstrate a plan that accounts for the additional civilian life that is now in south Gaza.”

And despite the devastation wrought on the Palestinian enclave, the challenges of truly eliminating Hamas from Gaza were highlighted in a video released by the militant group over the weekend showing it handing over prisoners in a neighborhood of Gaza City, which had been the focus of Israel’s assault in the days prior to the truce.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Texas river flood leaves at least 13 dead and 20 children missing; camp evacuated by helicopter

Catastrophic Texas River Flood Claims 13 Lives, 20 Children Missing; Helicopter Rescue at Camp

The National Guard was called in on Friday in Texas following a…
3 struck by lightning on St. Pete Beach

Lightning Strikes Three People on St. Pete Beach

A 17-year-old girl was transported to Tampa General Hospital as a trauma…
Mexican navy ship that slammed into Brooklyn Bridge may return to New York next year

Mexican Naval Vessel That Collided with Brooklyn Bridge Could Visit New York Again Next Year

The ill-fated Mexican tall ship that collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in…
Trump to sign tax and spending bill into law at July 4 picnic

Trump to Approve Tax and Spending Bill During July 4th Celebration

The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 multi-trillion dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid…
Kamala Decides We Need to Hear Negative Views on the Fourth, and the Internet Responds Perfectly

Kamala Suggests Highlighting Criticism on the Fourth, and the Internet’s Reaction Is Spot On

On Friday, a former Democratic presidential candidate expressed a rather somber view…
Hamas 'serious' about reaching ceasefire agreement but insists on long-standing demands

Hamas Committed to Ceasefire Deal While Upholding Key Demands

Hamas announced on Wednesday its willingness to agree to a ceasefire with…
Chicago area suburbs including Aurora celebrating 4th of July with parades

Aurora and Other Chicago Suburbs Host Parades for 4th of July Celebrations

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — The red, white, blue is on full display…
Man arrested on corpse abuse charges in Montevallo

Man Charged with Corpse Abuse in Montevallo Arrested

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) — A 56-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges…
Rip current beach rescues show swimmers face deadly risks: what to know to stay safe

Understanding the Dangers of Rip Currents: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

As the East Coast experienced a wave of rip current rescues last…
How people are celebrating, protesting and traveling for July Fourth

Celebrating, Speaking Out, and Traveling: How People Are Engaging This Fourth of July

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Recent polls indicate a decline in national pride…
Joey Chestnut reclaims Nathan’s hot dog contest title

Joey Chestnut Wins Back Title at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Chestnut bested 14 fellow competitors from across the U.S. and internationally, including…