Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday to aggressively pursue Hamas in the coming days, aiming to “complete” the fight against the Iranian-backed organization.

Netanyahu made these comments about the ongoing conflict during a visit with Israel Defense Forces reservists.

“We are going in with full force in the coming days to complete the operation,” Netanyahu stated. “Completing the operation signifies defeating and destroying Hamas.”

Netanyahu asserted that eliminating Hamas and securing the release of the remaining hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack are interconnected goals.

“Hamas might propose a temporary release of hostages, which we would accept before proceeding,” the prime minister explained. “However, we will not halt the war. There may be a temporary cease-fire, but we are committed to going all the way.”

Following Hamas’ release of Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander on Monday, 58 hostages remain in Gaza. Netanyahu’s statement preceded Alexander’s release.

U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met with the hostages’ families for nearly two hours in Israel on Tuesday before heading to Doha, Qatar, for ceasefire talks.

Boehler suggested that Alexander’s release improves the chances of securing the freedom of the remaining hostages.

Boehler and Witkoff assured the families that their trip to Doha was motivated by a genuine belief in the possibility of progress in negotiations.

As the Gaza war continues, President Joe Biden began a four-day Middle East trip in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, where discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are expected to focus on ending the conflict in Gaza and other topics.

‘ Yonat Friling and