Netanyahu vows no retreat from Gaza after 'terrifying' Israeli commando raid

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Wednesday that Israel would not retreat from its occupation of Gaza following a recent commando raid in the densely populated Katiba neighborhood. Speaking at a military outpost near the "yellow line" that demarcates Israeli-occupied territory, Netanyahu stated that his country controls 60 percent of the strip and is actively eliminating terrorists threatening its security.

He affirmed that Israel is committed to disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, emphasizing that the goal of making Gaza no longer a threat to Israel is largely achieved. Despite calls for a troop withdrawal from the US, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's determination to maintain its presence in Gaza. The recent raid, which resulted in the capture of Hamas security official Moin Al Arabeed, left displaced families fleeing their tents and caused significant casualties among Al Arabeed's family members.

The operation, which involved Israeli special forces and pro-Israeli militias, was met with fear and terror by residents in the area. Political analyst Emad Omar suggested that the operation aimed to demonstrate Israel's military reach and send a message to Hamas and other Palestinian factions about its capabilities, potentially influencing their stance on the ceasefire deal.