Gaza Strip – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to the northern Gaza Strip alongside IDF troops, declared that Hamas will face “more and more blows” as Israel presses its military objectives. Speaking to soldiers with drones overhead, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s dual goals: securing the release of hostages and achieving all war aims. Holding a printout of a post by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which called for Israel’s destruction, Netanyahu criticized Iran’s stance amid ongoing nuclear talks with the United States, which began last weekend in Oman. Israel remains highly skeptical of these negotiations.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, standing beside Netanyahu, reinforced the message, stating that Israel’s current operations aim to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. “The more it persists in its refusal, the more we will intensify the blows until it is defeated and all hostages are returned,” Katz said. The leaders were accompanied by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, and other senior officials.
Also Read: Netanyahu Faces Tough Questions from Hostage’s Mother on Release Deal
In a separate development, U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler expressed frustration with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani for failing to secure the release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, kidnapped in Iraq two years ago by Kata’ib Hezbollah. Writing on X, Boehler urged immediate action, noting Iraq’s challenges but criticizing Sudani’s lack of progress.
Tsurkov’s sister, Emma, recently praised the Trump administration’s efforts, contrasting them with the previous administration’s inaction. Boehler visited Iraq last month to advocate for Tsurkov’s release, according to sources.
Key Points: Netanyahu’s Gaza Visit and Tsurkov Hostage Situation
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting northern Gaza with IDF troops, vowed Hamas will face “more and more blows” to secure hostage release and achieve war aims.
- Netanyahu criticized Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for calling for Israel’s destruction amid U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman, which Israel views warily.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel’s operations aim to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages, with intensified strikes if Hamas refuses.
- Netanyahu and Katz were joined by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi.
- U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler expressed disappointment in Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani for failing to advance the release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, kidnapped two years ago by Kata’ib Hezbollah.
- Boehler, who visited Iraq last month, urged immediate action; Tsurkov’s sister praised the Trump administration’s efforts compared to prior inaction.
