Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that the Israeli military is encircling Gaza City and carrying out operations within it, continuing its month-long offensive against Hamas.

In a televised address, Netanyahu affirmed that there will be no negotiations for a ceasefire or the delivery of fuel to Gaza until the Israeli hostages held by Hamas are released.

Prior to this declaration, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated during a press conference that there would be no humanitarian ceasefire without the return of the hostages. He also mentioned that Israeli forces are currently stationed in the heart of Gaza City and that Israel and Hamas will not determine the fate of the Palestinian territory after the current conflict concludes.

In a related context, Gallant added that Gaza is the largest terrorist base ever constructed. Hamas initiated a surprise attack on October 7, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,500 people, with the majority being civilians killed in the initial days of the attacks according to Israeli authorities. Furthermore, Hamas abducted 241 hostages, as reported by the Israeli army.