Netanyahu Vows Pursuit of Hamas, Hints at Potential Gaza Migration as Ground War intensifies
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on September 16, 2025, that Israel will relentlessly pursue Hamas militants, warning that any harm to hostages held by the group will be met with a lethal response. “If they harm one hostage’s hair, we will strongly track them until they die,” he said.
Netanyahu revealed that approximately 400,000 residents have already evacuated Gaza City amid the escalating conflict. When questioned about the possibility of facilitating voluntary migration of palestinians from the Gaza district to third-party nations, Netanyahu indicated it remained “a clear possibility” but was not currently being actively promoted, despite acknowledging that approximately 60 percent of Israeli public opinion considers preventing Gazans from leaving “immoral.”
The Prime Minister also accused Qatar of supporting Hamas through financial assistance, providing safe harbor to Hamas leaders, and funding the Al-Jazeera network, which he characterized as promoting “anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism…and recently become an anti-American hell.” he asserted that increased pressure from Qatar could expedite the release of hostages, suggesting they could be freed “in a few months” if Qatar acted decisively. Netanyahu confirmed that recent Israeli raids targeted Hamas leadership in Qatar, but stated confirmation of the fate of leaders like Khalil Alhaya is still pending.
netanyahu disclosed a recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the hostage situation and confirmed an invitation to the White House on September 29th, with a planned meeting with Trump at the UN General Assembly in New York three days later. He avoided directly answering whether he provided advance notice to the U.S. before the Qatar raids, a point disputed by Trump, who stated he did not receive prior notification, while Israeli officials, according to U.S. media outlet Calmios,claim Netanyahu informed Trump via phone.
Addressing concerns about international restrictions on defense materials, Netanyahu stated, “Israel is in a kind of isolation,” and emphasized the need to develop a robust, independent defense industry, envisioning a nation that combines “Athens and Sparta.”
