Israel is reportedly close to achieving its current military objectives in Gaza, according to the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Lt Gen Eyal Zamir. His comments come amid increasing signs that a ceasefire deal with Hamas may be within reach, following mounting diplomatic pressure. The United States, led by President Donald Trump, and key regional mediators such as Qatar have both urged Israel to take advantage of a potential breakthrough, particularly after the recent 12-day conflict with Iran concluded.
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Lt Gen Zamir stated on Friday that Israel’s forces would soon reach the defined targets of their current operation, known as “Gideon’s Chariots”, which involves establishing military control over roughly 75 per cent of the Gaza Strip. Once this stage is completed, Israeli leaders are expected to weigh their next steps, including whether to pursue full territorial control or transition to political negotiations. Zamir emphasised that their mission remains twofold: to defeat Hamas and secure the release of remaining hostages.
Domestically, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from both the international community and his right-wing coalition. While he has insisted the campaign will continue until Hamas is dismantled, some analysts believe Netanyahu may pivot towards a ceasefire in order to maintain US support and potentially trigger a new election, banking on a political advantage in the aftermath of the Iran conflict. Meanwhile, Qatari officials, acting as mediators, have warned that the opportunity for a lasting ceasefire must not be squandered.
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Despite diplomatic momentum, the human cost of the conflict remains severe. Israeli air strikes reportedly killed at least 62 people in Gaza on Friday alone, including entire families and children. The Palestinian health ministry states that over 56,000 people have been killed during the war, with women and children making up more than half of the casualties. At the same time, Hamas’s initial attacks on 7 October claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Israelis, with 254 hostages taken. Roughly 50 remain in captivity, at least 20 of whom are thought to be alive.
