Jerusalem, Oct 13 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the nation’s military campaign "is not over," just before the anticipated release of all living Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian detainees under the next phase of the newly initiated Gaza ceasefire with Hamas.

In a televised speech, Netanyahu celebrated the upcoming release of the 20 remaining living hostages as a "historic event," as reported by Xinhua news agency.

"Wherever we engaged, we prevailed," he asserted. "However, the campaign is not concluded yet," he continued, withholding further specifics.

He emphasized that Israel still encounters "significant security challenges" in the future. "Some of our adversaries are attempting to reassemble," he cautioned, pledging to secure Israel's safety.

Earlier, Israel's military chief, Eyal Zamir, declared that the nation had secured a "victory over Hamas." In a broadcast statement, Zamir noted that this victory was achieved through a blend of persistent military pressure and diplomatic endeavors.

Zamir remarked that Israel remains "in the midst of a multi-front war." He stated that the military "will persist in acting to create a security reality that ensures the Gaza Strip no longer endangers the State of Israel and its civilians. Through our operations, we are redefining the Middle East and our security strategy for the years to come."

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire became effective on Friday, following over two years of Israeli attacks that ravaged the Gaza Strip and induced famine.