Following the termination of a two-month truce during which numerous Israeli captives were released from Gaza in exchange for around 1,800 Palestinian detainees, reports suggest that Israel is contemplating launching another extensive military campaign in Gaza. This proposed operation might entail controlling sizable areas within the territory.

More than one and a half years have passed since Hamas initiated its assault on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and sparking the current conflict. Despite this, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears even more resolute and bolstered in his commitment to accomplish the declared objectives: disassembling Hamas’s ruling and combat capacities as well as eliminating any potential threats emanating from Gaza.

However, questions are now being raised, including within Israeli society, about whether such actions would aid in the release of the hostages still detained by Hamas or instead place their lives at greater risk. Additionally, these measures could lead to further destruction and loss of life in Gaza.

Ron Segev, who survived Hamas’ assault on the Nova music festival, states that securing the release of the hostages is his sole objective.

“We won’t proceed further until everybody returns home. As for the government’s objectives, I’m unsure, but for the community, ensuring everyone gets back safely is our sole focus,” Segev stated to LIFEHACK.

Thomas Hand’s daughter was held captive by Hamas for 50 days prior to her release during a short-lived truce in November 2023. He remains unconvinced that diplomatic efforts can lead to the liberation of the hostages.

“The sole rationale behind securing the initial stage of the truce was due to our military operations, as Hamas believed they might face annihilation,” Hand stated.

On Tuesday, thousands of Palestinians in Gaza demonstrated, demanding an end to the conflict and calling on Hamas to yield.

“I’m pleased they’re attempting to take a stance. They were doing so with their faces exposed, which is quite dangerous,” Hand stated to LIFEHACK.

People “putting their lives at risk” to oppose Hamas instills optimism, he mentioned additionally. Nonetheless, Hand still doubts whether confronting the extremist organization will have an impact.

He mentioned, ‘These are just regular people opposing an armed terrorist organization; they would be annihilated. There’s no way for them to win.’

Perhaps one day, if the UN along with both the Egyptian and Israeli armies form an international force, they might support such efforts and possibly eliminate Hamas through this approach.

At the beginning of this month, Israel stopped sending food, fuel, medicines, and humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s approximately 2 million Palestinian residents.

Israel has pledged to intensify the conflict until Hamas releases the 59 captives they currently hold, with reports suggesting that around 24 may still be alive. Additionally, Israel demands that Hamas relinquish control, surrender their weapons, and have their leadership exiled.

Hamas stated they would free the rest of the hostages solely in return for the liberation of Palestinian inmates, a continuous truce, and Israel’s retreat from Gaza.

For multiple days, Israelis have been protesting in the streets due to the government’s inability to arrange a hostage release from Gaza and its recent actions aimed at dismissing key legal and security authorities. Many see these developments as part of an ongoing effort that could upset the balance of power within Israel.