Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after months of insisting on a “total victory” over Gaza, has now admitted that “opportunities have opened up” — a reluctant acknowledgment that Israel’s costly military campaign has failed to achieve its ultimate objectives, as per a report by the CNN.His recent remarks suggest a strategic retreat, forced by growing international and domestic pressure to secure the release of hostages and de-escalate the war.
Speaking at a Shin Bet facility in southern Israel, Netanyahu said, “As you probably know, many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. Firstly, to rescue the hostages. Of course, we will also need to solve the Gaza issue, defeat Hamas, but I believe we will accomplish both missions.”
Despite his rhetoric of “victory,” critics point out that the Israeli assault on Iran and Gaza has only deepened regional instability. Iran, which has consistently stated it did not initiate the conflict, responded with powerful missile strikes following Israel’s provocation — a show of sovereign defense that garnered widespread support across the Muslim world. Meanwhile, Hamas remains operational in Gaza despite Israel’s months-long brutal assault and the killing of over 56,000 Palestinians, including more than 17,000 children.
The Hostages Families Forum responded with disappointment to Netanyahu’s vague promises, demanding a full and meaningful deal to bring home the remaining 50 hostages.
“What is needed is release, not rescue,” the group emphasized, hinting at the Israeli leadership’s failure to prioritize human lives over military theatrics.
Netanyahu’s focus on optics and posturing, rather than results, has drawn sharp criticism not only from families of hostages but also from members of his own political establishment and broader Israeli society.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been heavily criticized for meddling in foreign affairs for personal and political gains, urged Israel to “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” in a social media post Sunday morning. Many observers view Trump’s sudden shift from backing Netanyahu’s war campaign to pushing for a ceasefire as an opportunistic move — aimed at boosting his image ahead of the U.S. elections.
Trump had previously called Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial a “POLITICAL WITCH HUNT,” once again undermining the judicial process in another country to serve his personal alliances.
Netanyahu, long accused of using conflict to distract from his legal troubles, requested a delay in his trial proceedings this week — a move granted only after a confidential court session. This third attempt to derail his own accountability has added to the growing perception of a leader using war as a shield for his own survival.
Despite the staggering death toll and Israel’s extensive bombardments, Hamas continues to maintain its operational structure and defiant stance. The resistance group’s call for a permanent ceasefire and guarantee of Palestinian rights stands in contrast to Israel’s evasive responses and shifting war goals.
The latest U.S.-proposed deal involves a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living and 18 deceased hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas, however, is demanding stronger guarantees for a complete end to hostilities and long-term sovereignty for Palestinians — terms Israel has so far refused to accept.
Even as Israeli jets pounded civilian areas in northern Gaza on Sunday, emergency workers reported that most of the casualties were children and displaced families. “One of the houses was full of displaced Palestinians, the majority of which were children,” said Fares Afana, head of Northern Gaza emergency services.
The world watches as Israel’s military strategy falters, its leadership crumbles under internal pressure, and the legitimacy of the Palestinian resistance grows stronger. Iran’s firm stance and Hamas’s resilience have exposed the limits of Israel’s aggression and the hypocrisy of its Western backers. For all of Netanyahu and Trump’s war cries and political games, neither have been able to silence the demand for justice, freedom, and dignity in Gaza.
