Saturday, March 29, 2025
“The War Isn’t Over Yet…” What’s Going On in Netanyahu’s Mind About Gaza and Hamas?
Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 4:20 PM
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his resolve to bring back every hostage held in Gaza, declaring that the conflict with Hamas is “not over yet.” Speaking at an official ceremony at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem — held in memory of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war — Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of all captives and the remains of those killed.
Addressing the gathering, Netanyahu said, “The war is still ongoing, but one thing is certain — anyone who attacks us, anyone who raises a hand against us, will pay a heavy price. We are committed to achieving a decisive victory that will shape our region for years to come.”
His remarks came just a day after Hamas claimed to have handed over all prisoners in its custody — a claim Israel disputes.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying the group must surrender its weapons and return the bodies of all 24 remaining hostages held in the Gaza Strip, or face “severe consequences.” Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “I spoke directly with Hamas and asked if they would surrender their weapons. They assured me they would. Now, either they keep that promise, or we will take the necessary action against them.”
Trump said the message was conveyed to Hamas through its “representatives.” According to Israeli media, the communication involved Trump’s senior advisors — U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Both reportedly met Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya in Sharm el-Sheikh last week, assuring him that the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement would help end the two-year-long war in Gaza. Failure to comply, they warned, would make Hamas directly accountable.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and enforced from Friday, initially showed progress. Hamas released 20 surviving hostages on Monday as agreed. However, the deal faltered when Hamas failed to return 28 bodies of deceased captives, handing over only four. The militant group claimed that due to widespread destruction in Gaza after two years of war, locating the remaining bodies was “impossible.”
Israel strongly condemned Hamas’s actions, refusing to honor its own commitments under the ceasefire amid mounting anger among hostage families and frustration in political and military circles. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded by sealing the Rafah border crossing, cutting off critical humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip. In retaliation, Hamas suspended the release of any additional Palestinian prisoners until Israel receives all 24 bodies.
The stalemate has once again brought the fragile truce to the brink of collapse — and Netanyahu’s latest remarks signal that Israel is preparing for further military action if Hamas fails to comply.
“The war isn’t over,” Netanyahu warned. “And it won’t be, until our hostages come home and our people are safe.”
