Netanyahu Vows Full Force Against Hamas Over Hostage Bodies as Ceasefire Tensions Rise
Netanyahu Vows Full Force Against Hamas Over Hostage Bodies
In a powerful and emotionally charged address on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s determination to confront Hamas with “full force” until every deceased hostage is returned from Gaza. Speaking at a memorial ceremony on Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem, Netanyahu paid tribute to the victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks, marking a solemn day of remembrance and renewed resolve.
His statement comes amid growing frustration over Hamas’s failure to hand over 19 bodies of Israeli hostages still missing, despite obligations under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal. The militant group has so far returned only nine out of twenty-eight deceased hostages, claiming that many bodies remain trapped beneath rubble in Gaza and cannot be retrieved without specialised equipment.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The fragile ceasefire that brought an end to two years of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas is now under serious strain. Tensions have surged as Israeli intelligence reports indicate that Hamas is deliberately delaying the process. A senior Israeli official told Channel 12 that “there is a double-digit number of hostages that Hamas can return,” contradicting the group’s claims of technical difficulties.
In response, Israel has provided detailed intelligence data to mediating nations including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, pinpointing coordinates where it believes several of the bodies are buried. These efforts underline Israel’s commitment to recovering its citizens and ensuring that the terms of the ceasefire are fully upheld.
Netanyahu stated firmly:
“Our fight against terrorism will continue with full force. We will not allow evil to raise its head again. We will exact the full price from anyone who harms us.”
For many Israelis, the words echoed a national sentiment — grief mixed with defiance. Families of hostages continue to rally outside government buildings, urging the administration to prioritise the recovery of all remains before making any further concessions to Hamas.
Hamas’s Claims and International Mediation
Hamas, on the other hand, insists that the destruction caused by months of Israeli airstrikes has made locating and retrieving bodies extraordinarily difficult. A statement released by the group accused Israel of “weaponising humanitarian issues” and claimed that “recovery of the deceased requires significant time and equipment due to the extent of devastation.”
To mediate the dispute, an international task force comprising American, Turkish, Egyptian, and Qatari experts has entered Gaza to assist in recovery operations. According to reports in Israeli media, Turkey is contributing specialists with expertise in earthquake rescue operations, highlighting the technical complexity of the mission.
Despite this, Israeli officials remain sceptical of Hamas’s intentions. Several analysts have suggested that Hamas may be withholding the bodies as leverage in future negotiations — a tactic that has been used in previous conflicts to secure political or strategic gains.
Trump’s Tough Warning to Hamas
Adding further weight to the escalating situation, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas on Thursday. Speaking to CNN, he stated that the United States would “have no choice but to go in and kill Hamas” if the group resumes violence or fails to comply with the ceasefire agreement. While Trump has repeatedly ruled out deploying U.S. ground troops, his comments signal a tougher stance on terrorism and regional instability.
Trump added:
“Israel has my full backing to defend its people. If Hamas continues this behaviour, they will face consequences they have never seen before.”
The White House later clarified that diplomatic channels remain open, but the message was clear — Washington’s patience is wearing thin. Meanwhile, U.S. officials told reporters that the Biden-Trump transition team has been briefed on ongoing developments, ensuring continuity in American foreign policy.
Families Demand Action
These voices are resonating across Israel, fuelling calls for stronger military or diplomatic action. Netanyahu’s government, already under pressure from right-wing allies, faces a difficult balancing act: maintaining international support while ensuring justice for its citizens.
Ceasefire’s Fragile Future
The United Nations and European Union have urged restraint, calling on both parties to honour their obligations. However, with rhetoric hardening on all sides, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain.
A Nation’s Promise
In his closing remarks at the ceremony, Netanyahu invoked the enduring spirit of the Israeli people:
“We will not rest until every one of our hostages is returned. Our sons and daughters will come home — that is my vow to the families, to the nation, and to the memory of the fallen.”
The statement was met with applause and tears, encapsulating the deep emotional resonance of the moment. For many Israelis, it was a reminder that the fight for closure — and justice — is far from over.
As 2025 unfolds, the world watches closely. With tensions simmering, international mediators engaged, and Israel’s leadership unflinching, the recovery of the remaining hostages’ bodies has become both a moral mission and a diplomatic test. Whether through cooperation or confrontation, one thing is certain — Israel intends to see this through to the very end.
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