Rome, 14 Aug. (Lapresse) – “The strategic goal for the government and the armed forces is to free the hostages and Gaza from Hamas control. This has not yet been achieved and so this decision has been made. But this is not an overnight decision for an upcoming operation. We said it takes time because we want to ensure that civilians are safe. And’ a way to put pressure on Hamas to free the hostages and take away its control over Gaza. This is our goal, we hope to be able to achieve it through a diplomatic route. If it is not possible we will do so by means of a military operation. And’ our position from day one”. The Israeli ambassador to Italy, Jonathan Peled, said in an interview with LaPresse. “If Hamas accepts the ceasefire and frees the hostages the military operation will not help”, he added. As for the population of Gaza. “We have always said that those who want to leave Gaza voluntarily can do so, it is their right to decide where they want to live. Right now they are under Hamas and want to get rid of Hamas as much as we do”, he explained.