Israeli and US Defense Ministers Discuss Latest Developments in Gaza War

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin once again discussed the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by Hamas on Thursday, January 18. The US Department of Defense announced on Friday, January 19, that the discussions focused on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the return of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas, and the destruction of the infrastructure of the terrorist militant group Hamas. The developments in the Gaza war, efforts to eliminate Hamas's terrorist infrastructure in Gaza, and the threat posed by Hezbollah in northern Israel were also discussed. The parties also talked about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the Israeli army's actions to identify and separate the civilian population from the 'terrorist group Hamas.' Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a press conference on Thursday that Israel has destroyed about two-thirds of Hamas's combat brigades in Gaza and promised to continue the war until 'complete victory.' The European Parliament recently passed a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, provided that the Palestinian militant group Hamas is dismantled in the Gaza Strip and all hostages it holds are released. The European Union, like the United States, the UK, Japan, Canada, and several other countries, considers Hamas, which is supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, a terrorist organization. The foreign ministers of the EU are expected to approve new sanctions against this group in the coming days. Meanwhile, global efforts to free the remaining hostages from Hamas captivity continue. Previously, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the families of hostages not to lose hope and emphasized, 'We are with you, and the President of the United States is working every day to bring your loved ones back.' The Israeli army reported the killing of a senior Islamic Jihad official in Gaza. The European Parliament's resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza states that Hamas must be dismantled and all hostages must be released. Netanyahu confirmed a 'direct' confrontation with the Islamic Republic, questioning who said they would not attack Iran.