TEMPO.CO, Gaza - Israel has made its first official statement in regards to the ceasefire signed with Hamas, saying the Palestinian group has been dealt with a major blow.
In comments delivered in a televised address on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "Hamas was hit hard" and Israel "didn't agree to accept any of Hamas' demands" under the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire deal.
"The ceasefire was achieved without any of the terms being given," Netanyahu said in response to Hamas’ demands that could not be accepted by Israel.
Israel had destroyed tunnels and the infrastructure Hamas had built over the years through ground forces, said Netanyahu, adding that Israeli forces had been withdrawn to prevent kidnapping by Hamas fighters.
Netanyahu’s comments came amid criticism over the handling of seven-week military operation that killed 2,200 Palestinians. On the other hand, Israel lost 64 soldiers and six civilians.
AL JAZEERA | CHOIRUL
