Israeli military operation cannot wipe out Hamas: US official

The New York Times quoted a senior US government official as saying that in the 10-month war in Gaza, the effects have decreased due to continued bombing, and the suffering of civilians has worsened.

“Hamas has been greatly weakened, but it has not been annihilated, and Israel may never completely destroy Hamas,” Ralph Goff, a former CIA employee active in the Middle East, told the US newspaper.

Joseph L. Votel, who once led the US Army Central Command, said that Israel was able to “confuse” Hamas and eliminate many leaders, but negotiations are the only way to release Israeli prisoners of war who still remain in the Gaza Strip.