Netanyahu Declares "Beginning of the End" for Hamas as Surrenders Continue

In the midst of the protracted conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared what he sees as the "beginning of the end" for Hamas. Netanyahu's statement, urging Hamas operatives to surrender, comes more than two months into the war that has left a trail of destruction and claimed thousands of lives.

"The war is still ongoing but it is the beginning of the end of Hamas. I say to the Hamas terrorists: It's over. Don't die for (Yahya) Sinwar. Surrender now," Netanyahu asserted in a recent statement, directly addressing the chief of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

According to Netanyahu, there has been a notable development in recent days. "In the past few days, dozens of Hamas terrorists have surrendered to our forces," he stated. However, it's important to note that the military has not provided evidence supporting the claim of surrenders, and Hamas has categorically rejected such assertions.

This latest episode comes almost a month after Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared that Hamas had "lost control" of Gaza, signaling a shift in the dynamics of the conflict.

The origin of the current conflict traces back to October 7 when Hamas initiated hostilities with a devastating attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, according to Israeli figures. The group also forcibly took around 240 hostages back to Gaza.

In response, Israel launched a relentless military offensive, causing extensive damage to Gaza and leading to a tragic loss of life. The Hamas-run health ministry reports a death toll of at least 17,997 people, with the majority being women and children.

Netanyahu's declaration, coupled with reported surrenders, adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing narrative. However, the situation remains contentious, with conflicting accounts from both sides.

Netanyahu's bold declaration and reported surrenders introduce uncertainty to the conflict's trajectory. Amid conflicting accounts, the region awaits further developments in this high-stakes geopolitical landscape.