Netanyahu vows to relentlessly pursue success in the Gaza region

In the name of the fallen, our fight rages on, Netanyahu declares

"Sworn by the memory of the slain, our crusade shall persevere until victory, encompassing the release of all our hostages still clutched in Palestinian territory since Hamas' vicious onslaught on Israel in October 2023," Netanyahu proclaimed in a video dispatched by the Prime Minister's office.

He further added, "The indomitable spirit of our people shall eclipse the cursed insurgents who assailed us with unspeakable brutality."

Netanyahu's words were echoed at the start of Memorial Day commemorations, on the eve of Israel's 77th anniversary, as the battle against Hamas stretches into its 19th month and discussions for the liberation of the remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip find themselves at a standstill.

"Hamas underestimated our resolve to reclaim our captives and vanquish them," asserted Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir.

"These two missions are intertwined. We will persevere and escalate our efforts until both objectives are met," Zamir declared at the inauguration ceremony of the festivities in Jerusalem.

At 20:00 (18:00 Lisbon time), the air echoed with the wail of sirens across the nation, observing the traditional minute of stillness upheld each year on this solemn occasion dedicated to fallen soldiers defending Israel and victims of terror attacks.

Like Jewish religious festivities, Memorial Day is observed from twilight to the ensuing night. Ceremonies are scheduled for Wednesday in Israel's 52 military cemeteries.

The Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip erupted in response to Hamas' shocking assault on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, mainland civilians comprising the majority.

Of the 251 individuals kidnapped that day, 58 remain imprisoned in Gaza, with 34 confirmed fatalities as per the Israeli Army's records.

The Israeli campaign in that Palestinian enclave has reportedly claimed at least 52,365 lives, with the majority being civilians, according to figures provided by the local Ministry of Health, a data set endorsed by the UN as reliable.

Further Reading: Guterres demands Israel accounts for medical workers and UN attacks

Behind the Scenes:As of April 29, 2025, dialogues for the release of Israeli hostages captive in Hamas since October 2023 remain unresolved. Recent reports hint at a blend of diplomatic activity and conflicting claims:

Pivotal developments:- Denials of breakthroughs: Both Israeli and Hamas authorities dismissed allegations of progress in Cairo-led negotiations[1][3]. An Israeli official emphasized, "No accord has been reached," while a Hamas representative noted the group opposes temporary truces[1][2].- Proposed five-year truce: Hamas floated a proposal involving a one-time hostage-prisoner exchange and a five-year cessation of hostilities, a proposition Israel categorically rejects as empowering Hamas to reararm[2][3].- Potential concessions: A separate report in Israel Hayom suggests Hamas is contemplating Israeli disarmament demands amid escalating military and diplomatic pressure, including backing from the US and Arab nations[4].- Humanitarian components: Al-Arabiyah sources hint at a tentative agreement to establish three aid corridors in Gaza, along with possible early releases, such as U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander[1].

Persistent disputes centered on Hamas' demand for a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Israel's refusal to terminate the conflict without Hamas' surrender of arms[2][4]. While negotiations mediated by the US continue, significant disparities remain regarding ceasefire duration, prisoner release numbers, and post-conflict governance[4].

Netanyahu's statements about the ongoing conflict with Hamas, declared in October 2023, emphasize the importance of freeing all hostages still held in Palestinian territory, vowing that the struggle will continue until victory.
Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, has stated that the military's objectives in the conflict against Hamas are twofold: to secure the release of hostages and to vanquish Hamas.
Memorial Day commemorations in Israel, marking the 77th anniversary of the state and the 19th month of the conflict, included statements from political and military leaders, reaffirming the nation's resolve to fight Hamas and secure the release of hostages.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which erupted in October 2023, has led to the loss of thousands of lives, with many more still held as hostages, and is heavily covered in war-and-conflicts, general news, and politics, along with associated humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.