In a speech during a visit to the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Hamas’ rule over Gaza would come to an end, asserting that the terror organization would be “eliminated down to its very foundations.”
“There will be no more Hamas. It’s over,” Netanyahu stated emphatically while addressing employees and executives at the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company (EAPC). “We will free all of our hostages, and we will eliminate Hamas.”
The comments came as Israel awaited a response from Hamas over a proposed U.S.-backed 60-day ceasefire deal. The plan, revealed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, was described as Israel’s “final proposal,” and calls for the release of remaining hostages and a temporary halt in fighting. While Hamas signaled potential openness to the agreement, the group reiterated its demand for a complete end to the war.
Netanyahu dismissed suggestions that defeating Hamas while securing the release of hostages were conflicting goals. “What nonsense,” he said. “They go together. We will complete this together, contrary to what is being said.”
During his visit, which focused largely on Israel’s energy sector, Netanyahu was accompanied by Energy Minister Eli Cohen, Minister David Amsalem, and Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam. He toured the EAPC installation and received a comprehensive briefing from CEO Amit Shaked. The EAPC, a strategic asset, transports oil between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, and is viewed as key to Israel’s energy future.
Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s economic opportunities tied to energy development, citing an estimated 300 billion shekels (approximately $89 billion) in expected gas revenues over the next decade. “We are going to increase and strengthen Israel’s energy capability,” he said. “Our opportunities are enormous. We are not going to miss them or lose them.”
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain tense. Hamas spokesman Taher al-Nunu said the group is “ready and serious” about reaching an agreement but insisted that any deal must “clearly lead to the complete end to the war.” A delegation from Hamas is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal further, according to an Egyptian official.
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