JERUSALEM, July 01 (V7N) – Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Monday called for an end to the more than 20-month war in Gaza, as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the protracted conflict. His plea follows the swift conclusion of Israel's brief war against Iran with a ceasefire last week, which has led figures including US President Donald Trump and former Israeli premier Naftali Bennett to urge Netanyahu to find a similar off-ramp in the fight against Hamas.

"There is no longer any benefit for the State of Israel from continuing the war in Gaza. Only damage on the security, political and economic level," Lapid told a meeting of lawmakers from his parliamentary group. He further asserted that this sentiment is shared by the military, quoting Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir who reportedly told the cabinet yesterday that "the political echelon needs to decide on the next objective," implying that "the army has no more objectives in Gaza."

The conflict in Gaza was ignited by Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,219 people, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israel subsequently vowed to dismantle the Islamist movement. However, despite more than a year and a half of devastating warfare, Hamas remains entrenched in the Gaza Strip. Lapid argued that "Hamas will not be eliminated as long as an alternative government is not brought into Gaza," suggesting that Egypt and other Arab nations could play a role in this transition.

Public sentiment in Israel appears to align with calls for an end to the conflict. A public opinion poll conducted by public broadcaster Kan, published the day after the Iran ceasefire, revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents desired the Gaza war to conclude. Following the ceasefire with Iran, Israel's army chief had indicated that the military's focus would shift back to Gaza.

Netanyahu, speaking on Sunday, acknowledged that the successful campaign against Iran had created "opportunities," including for the release of hostages. He added, "Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals." Palestinian militants seized 251 hostages during the October 7, 2023 attack. Of these, 49 are still believed to be held in Gaza, with the Israeli military stating that 27 are dead. Israel's retaliatory campaign has caused extensive casualties in Gaza, with at least 56,531 people killed, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, figures which the United Nations deems reliable.

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