Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has told international media that Hamas “no longer exists” as a military formation in Gaza and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make a deal.

According to Israeli media reports, Gallant described Hamas as nonexistent as an organised military force in Gaza after more than 11 months of war.

He told journalists: “Hamas as a military formation no longer exists. Hamas is engaged in guerrilla warfare and we are still fighting Hamas terrorists and pursuing Hamas leadership.”

He also warned that Israel had to choose between a hostage deal and the risk of escalation, and said that only Hamas would benefit from worsening regional conflict. 

International mediators including the US have been working for months to get a deal that would see the release of the hostages still held by Hamas and an end to the war in Gaza. 

Gallant said reaching a deal with Hamas was “a strategic opportunity that gives us a high chance to change the security situation on all fronts”.

He warned against regional escalation of the conflict and suggested that it would only benefit Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Gallant called on the international community to pressure Hamas to agree to a ceasefire deal.

He said: “Israel should achieve an agreement that will bring about a pause for six weeks, and bring back hostages. We maintain the right to operate and achieve our goals — including the destruction of Hamas.

“The scenario of a full-scale, multi-front war benefits Sinwar. That’s what he dreamed of when he led a brutal attack against Israeli children, women and men.”