"US Intelligence: Israel Far from Eliminating Hamas, Former Diplomat Says Goal May Not Be Achievable"

US intelligence officials have informed Congress that Israel has not come close to defeating Hamas in its military offensive on the Gaza Strip, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vow to continue attacking until "total victory" is achieved. The officials suggested that Hamas' guerilla nature might make defeating the group unrealistic, and that weakening their combat strength could be a more feasible goal. Netanyahu rejected a ceasefire plan proposed by Hamas, while American officials privately dispute his claim of having killed two-thirds of Hamas' fighters, estimating a lower number.