JERUSALEM — Israel will continue its military operations in Gaza to secure the return of hostages, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday. This comes as several European nations call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access
Ophir Falk, Netanyahu’s foreign policy adviser, said that past military pressure led Hamas to agree to the November 2023 truce, during which around 80 hostages were freed. He emphasized that ongoing military action remains the most effective path to recovering the remaining 59 hostages.
“They only returned to the negotiating table due to military pressure—that’s exactly what we’re applying now,” Falk told reporters.
While a temporary ceasefire had brought some calm since January, talks to extend it collapsed, prompting Israel to resume airstrikes and ground operations throughout the Gaza Strip.
Falk didn’t elaborate on current ceasefire negotiations but confirmed Israel had accepted a proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff for a truce extension through Ramadan and Passover.
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the January ceasefire deal by refusing to discuss ending the war or withdrawing troops but said it remains open to talks and is reviewing Witkoff’s proposals.
Meanwhile, Palestinian health authorities report over 130 deaths and 263 injuries in the last two days of Israeli attacks. The renewed offensive, which has left much of Gaza in ruins and displaced hundreds of thousands, has prompted renewed calls for a ceasefire from countries including Britain, France, and Germany.
Falk defended Israel’s decision to block aid entry, accusing Hamas of commandeering supplies—a claim Hamas denies.
The conflict began after a Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities near Gaza on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Since then, more than 49,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, with widespread destruction across the territory.