Leaders of Israel are tired of dealing with Palestine and Hamas. They are weary of the continued conflict and the lack of hostages released by Hamas. As first reported by the Times of Israel, opposition leader Benny Gantz appeared to represent Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and their stance on the situation.
As the former IDF chief of staff and defense minister, Gantz spoke to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations who had convened in Jerusalem.
“The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know — if by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue everywhere, to include the Rafah area…We will do so in a coordinated manner, facilitating the evacuation of civilians in dialogue with our American and Egyptian partners to minimize civilian casualties. To those saying the price [of an offensive] is too high, I say this very clearly: Hamas has a choice — they can surrender, release the hostages, and the citizens of Gaza will be able to celebrate the holy holiday of Ramadan.”
With Hamas digging in and demanding that Israel leave Gaza before they release the remaining hostages, Israel would end up losing and Hamas emerging the victor if that happens. Israel will not tolerate a loss to happen following Hamas’ October 7th massacre on Israel. With numerous groups the world over asking Israel to show restraint, they are doing so by offering a date of resolution so far in the future.
Hamas now has the ball in their court. They can either release the hostages that they are already withholding food and medicine, or they can pay the price during the Ramadan holiday. A simple ultimatum, it draws a line in the sand and makes it easy for Hamas and Palestine to end this whole thing.