The campaign in Gaza will help Israel realize “our demand to release a maximum number of hostages already during the first stage,” the premier said.

Some 14,000 fighters have been killed or arrested in over nine months of combat operations in Gaza, according to the Israeli military.

The Hamas leader in Gaza is believed by U.S. intelligence to be hiding in the tunnels underneath Khan Younis.

The images show Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa and Naama Levy shortly after they were abducted from their base in Nahal Oz.

The terrorist groups in Gaza are “paying huge prices and their ability to rebuild is very limited,” said the Israeli defense minister.

“We found him, we will also find the next ones in line,” said the IDF chief of staff, referring to Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’s armed wing.

“We are showing Hamas that we are still fighting and we will continue to fight until they surrender,” said Tikva Forum co-founder Tzvika Mor, whose son Eitan is being held by Hamas.

Security changes in north will last generations, the prime minister adds.

Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif was a key factor in the terror group’s ongoing efforts to team up with Iran.