Israeli Energy Minister: We have not abandoned a ground invasion of Gaza because of the hostages

(Patria) - Israel will not abandon a possible ground invasion of Gaza because of the issue of prisoners held there, the Israeli Energy Minister told the German tabloid Bild, Reuters reported.

Hamas attackers killed 1,400 people and took more than 200 hostages in an attack on October 7.
In an interview published on Tuesday, Energy Minister Israel Katz said that everything will be done to bring the hostages home.

"But that cannot prevent our actions, including a ground offensive, if we decide on it," he said.

"Hamas wants us to deal with the prisoners and wants the army not to enter the elimination of their infrastructure. This will not happen," Katz added.

Hamas's armed wing announced on Monday that it had released two more civilians, women, for health reasons, in response to mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar.