ISRAEL Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed his forces are “one step from victory” over Hamas.
He was speaking as the IDF announced they were pulling troops out of South Gaza in what sources described as an “operational” move.
And it comes amid growing international pressure for a ceasefire in the wartorn strip.
Netanyahu however vowed there would be no ceasefire as he addressed his cabinet.
“We are one step away from victory. But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking,” he said.
“There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just won’t happen.”
He was speaking as the world marks six months since the massacre on October 7.
More than 1,200 Israeli men, women and children were butchered when Hamas terrorists streamed over the border.
They took hundreds of people hostage – taking them back to Gaza Strip.
Israel has since been waging a brutal war as they attempt to wipe out the terror group from the tightly packed 25-mile-long area.
But questions have been raised over their tactics as it is feared thousands of civilians have been killed.
And the deaths of seven people in an aid convoy struck by an Israeli missile – including three Brits – has piled on even more pressure.
Last night, tens of thousands of Israelis protested as they demanded Netanyahu reach a deal to release the hostages.
However, the PM said today he would not give in to Hamas’ “extreme” demands.
Despite his rhetoric, it is understood talks are ongoing – with an Israeli delegation due to head to Cairo.
They will meet with American and Hamas negotiators to attempt to thrash out a deal.
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