Netanyahu: Gaza War Nearing End, Hamas Facing Annihilation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is approaching the end of its war in Gaza but hasn't reached that point yet. He made the comments during a podcast interview, insisting that Hamas will be completely destroyed before the conflict ends.

Netanyahu told American journalist Ben Shapiro that "what started in Gaza will end in Gaza, with the release of our 46 hostages and the end of Hamas rule." But he appeared confused about the actual numbers - there are 48 hostages currently held in Gaza according to official counts.

The Israeli leader acknowledged that about 20 of the hostages are still believed to be alive, which matches Israel's official estimates. The fate of the remaining hostages remains unclear after more than a year of conflict.

"Hamas has not been destroyed yet, but we will get there," Netanyahu said. "It's impossible to end this and leave Hamas in power, with missiles aimed at us."

His comments come as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire deal that would secure the release of remaining hostages. Families of the captives have been pushing the Israeli government to prioritize their return, even if it means making concessions to Hamas.

The war began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 240 hostages. Israel's military response has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

Netanyahu's timeline for ending the war remains vague. He's facing pressure both domestically from hostage families and internationally from allies who want to see the conflict wind down. But his insistence on completely eliminating Hamas as a governing force in Gaza could complicate any potential ceasefire negotiations.

The confusion over hostage numbers during the interview highlights how complex the situation remains. Each hostage represents a family waiting for answers and a government trying to balance military objectives with humanitarian concerns.