Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called for Hamas fighters to surrender, declaring it the “beginning of the end” for the terrorist group.
“In recent days dozens of Hamas terrorists have been surrendering to our forces,” Netanyahu said in an on-camera statement while speaking in Hebrew. “They are laying down their weapons and handing themselves over to our heroic fighters.”
“It will take more time, the war is in full swing, but this is the beginning of the end for Hamas,” the prime minister continued. “I say to the Hamas terrorists: it is over. Don’t die for Sinwar. Surrender – now.”
Video circulating online shows footage showing dozens of detainees stripped to their underwear, hands in the air. Several held assault rifles above their heads, and one man walked forward and placed a gun on the ground.
While Israel has not commented on the lastest video, Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said that “increasing numbers” of Hamas fighters were surrendering.
Heavy fighting raged Sunday across Gaza, including in the devastated north, as Israel pressed ahead with its offensive after the U.S. blocked the latest international push for a cease-fire and rushed more munitions to its close ally.
