A statement by Israel's IDF spokesperson that Hamas was an ‘ideology’ that could not be exterminated was followed by a prompt government response, reinstating its commitment to the Palestinian group's extinction, according to reports.
"To declare that we are going to make Hamas disappear is like throwing sand in people's eyes.
"If we don't provide an alternative, we'll end up with Hamas," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told an Israeli news channel.
"Hamas is an ideology, we cannot eliminate an ideology," Hagari said while commenting on the latest round of escalations in Rafah, where Israeli Defence forces are facing a tough resistance in the ongoing eight-monthg conflict.
The IDF earlier this week said that they had lost “Eight soldiers during an operation in Rafah.”
Hagari’s remarks were swiftly rejected by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose cabinet has vowed that the Gaza war will not finish until Hamas is destroyed.
"The political and security cabinet headed by Prime Minister Netanyahu defined as one of the goals of the war the destruction of Hamas' military and governmental capabilities," according to a statement released by his office. "The IDF is of course committed to this."
However, taking it further the military stated on its Telegram channel that Hagari addressed Hamas as an ideology, with clear and plain words. "Any other claim is taking the statement out of context."
Ceasefire talks are going on currently between the Hamas leadership and Israeli officials, with the US overseeing the negotiations.
Meanwhile, the death toll has exceeded 37,000, with the majority being women and children, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
Experts warn of widespread conflict as the Israeli government has approved offensive plans against Lebanon.
There is growing concern worldwide that the conflict might spill over into neighbouring countries, with Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon already facing internal pressures in the region.
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