Israel's war on Hamas could continue during Ramadan, Gantz warns

"There will not be a ceasefire for even one day until our hostages are returned," Benny Gantz told the country in a public address.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024 16:28

Updated: FEBRUARY 16, 2024 20:12

MINISTER-WITHOUT-PORTFOLIO Benny Gantz attends a news conference at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, in December. Gantz is undoubtedly one of the most responsible politicians in Israel; for him, the State of Israel is truly above all, the writer maintains. (photo credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90) — MINISTER-WITHOUT-PORTFOLIO Benny Gantz attends a news conference at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, in December. Gantz is undoubtedly one of the most responsible politicians in Israel; for him, the State of Israel is truly above all, the writer maintains.

(photo credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90)

Israel could continue its war on Hamas during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz said on Friday afternoon.

In the announcement aimed at the families of the hostages and the citizens of Israel, Gantz tells them "We will not stop until they [the hostages] are returned."

לא יהיו ערי מקלט בעזה - לא מעל הקרקע ולא מתחת לקרקע. pic.twitter.com/ibOyzTORmp
— בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) February 16, 2024

"There will not be a ceasefire for even one day until our hostages are returned."

People perform morning prayers to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip May 2, 2022 (credit: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA)

Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide

"Hamas terrorists and leaders must know: Gaza will not have cities of refuge, above or underground," the minister said in an address. "The fire could continue into the month of Ramadan."

"If the hostages are not returned, we will expand the war into Rafah. We are preparing for this, working in collaboration with our partners including Egypt.

Gantz further addressed the issue of displacing over a million fleeing Palestinians in Rafah, saying that Israel will "evacuate the population to safe areas - and start operating."