Defeating Hamas is 'test' for Israel: Netanyahu

The war has moved into the second phase and efforts to free more than 200 hostages will continue even during the ground operation against Hamas in Gaza: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu/File Photo

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, claims that Israel is in a "test of existence" if it is able to defeat Hamas.


Foreign media reported that Israel's prime minister stated in one of his speeches that we have to destroy Hamas because it is a test of our survival.


He pointed the finger at Iran, saying, "I think that ninety percent of Hamas's military budget comes from Iran, and Iran organizes, funds, and directs Hamas."


Speaking of his attack in Gaza, Netanyahu stated that since Israeli forces have been present on Palestinian territory for more than a day, a protracted and challenging conflict could break out there.


He declared that the battle had entered its second phase and that the campaign to rescue over 200 detainees would not stop even if Hamas were to launch a ground invasion in Gaza.


It is important to remember that Israel is still waging war on the Palestinian people, resulting in almost 8,000 Palestinian martyrs—of whom more than half are women and children.