Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a ceasefire in Gaza, after the rescue of a hostage from Hamas.
In a video message, Israeli prime minister said, calls for a ceasefire meant asking Israel to surrender to terrorism and that will not happen. Mr Netanyahu congratulated the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and security agency Shin Bet for freeing Ori Megidish, an army private on Sunday.
He said the army’s advance through Gaza opened opportunities to free hostages, and Israel believes in unconditional return of all hostages. Netanyahu said, this successful rescue is an evidence that Israel’s military can free Israeli captives while continuing war with Hamas.
Israel’s strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, said if there is a proposal to release the hostages, the government will consider a temporary pause in hostilities to extract them safely.