This was stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an interview with SkyNews Australia, Ukrinform reports.

He emphasized that even if Hamas agrees to the deal, Israel will, in order to ensure the country's security, carry out an operation to eliminate the remaining terrorists.

"We will do it anyway (take Gaza City - ed.). There was never any question that we would leave Hamas there. I think US President Donald Trump said it best - he said that Hamas must disappear from Gaza," the Israeli prime minister said.

At the same time, he reported that the war was close to ending.

"But I said this war could end today. It could end if Hamas lays down its arms and releases the remaining 50 hostages, at least 20 of whom are alive," Netanyahu stressed.

He added that our goal is to free all hostages, disarm Hamas, demilitarize Gaza, and provide a different future for the people of Gaza.

"I think we are on the verge of ending this war, a war on seven fronts that includes Iran and its proxies," the Israeli Prime Minister summed up.

As reported, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has approved a plan to attack Gaza City. Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed on August 20 that 

On August 18, the terrorist group HAMAS informed Egyptian and Qatari mediators of its agreement to a proposed ceasefire and hostage agreement.