De Facto Shift to Ground War... Netanyahu Declares "Second Phase of War"

"All Efforts to Rescue Hostages"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on the 28th (local time) that the war with the Palestinian armed group Hamas has entered its second phase as the Israeli military launched a ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli soldiers preparing for ground combat Photo by Yonhap News

At a press conference held in Tel Aviv that day, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the ground military operation that began the previous day in the Gaza Strip marked the start of the second phase of the war, forecasting that "it will be a long and difficult war."

He explained, "The goal of the second phase is clear," adding, "to destroy Hamas's governance and military capabilities and to bring the hostages home."

Netanyahu emphasized that he would make every effort to rescue more than 200 hostages held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

He stressed that the ground military operation would aid in the rescue of the hostages and explained that contacts for the release of hostages continue even during the operation.

He reiterated, "The rescue of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas are absolutely not contradictory."

In response to criticism that civilians living in the Gaza Strip are endangered by Israel's attacks, Netanyahu rebutted by calling those who accuse Israel of war crimes "hypocrites," asserting, "We have the most moral army in the world."

He added that Israel's allies in the West and Arab countries understand the war with Hamas and support victory.

When asked whether Iran was behind Hamas's attack, Netanyahu said, "Without Iran's support, Hamas would not exist," but added, "I cannot say in detail that Iran was involved in the attack on the 7th."

He then condemned Iran as the "axis of evil" hostile not only to Israel but also to the West.

Earlier, Netanyahu promised in a meeting with representatives of the hostages' families that "Israel will mobilize all possible options for the return of the hostages."

Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi also said, "This war is progressing in multiple phases, and today we have moved to the next phase," adding, "A ground operation is absolutely necessary for the goals of this war, and the best soldiers are currently conducting operations in the Gaza Strip."

Although Israel's top leadership avoided using the term "invasion," it clearly indicated that elite troops have been deployed on the ground in the Gaza Strip and that ground operations are ongoing.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel.
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, stated in this context that they are ready to exchange the detained hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Sinwar said in a statement that "We are ready to immediately conduct exchange negotiations to swap all detainees held by the Palestinian resistance with Palestinian prisoners in Israel," AFP reported.

Previously, Hamas demanded the release of 6,000 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel in exchange for releasing the hostages, according to an interview with former leader Khaled Meshaal on Al-Arabiya TV.

The Gaza Strip has plunged into great chaos amid large-scale bombings and communication blackouts.

As Netanyahu mentioned, the Gaza Strip operation is expected not to end easily or quickly.

Hamas is holding over 200 hostages and preparing for ground combat, and above all, has constructed an extensive tunnel network estimated to be 500 km in total length underground in the Gaza Strip.

AP reported that urban warfare experts say armed militants may be ambushed in hundreds of tunnels. More than 1.4 million people have left their homes across the Gaza Strip, with about half apparently gathered in shelters provided by the United Nations.

The Gaza Strip Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, announced on the 29th that the number of Palestinian deaths has exceeded 8,000. The ministry claimed that most of the deceased are women and children.

UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres expressed shock at the unprecedented level of bombing and the increasing damage, urging an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.