In Strategic Bind, Israel Weighs Freeing Hostages Against Destroying Hamas
New York Times
Some Israeli commanders said the government’s two main goals were mutually incompatible. To eradicate Hamas, the military would have to engage in a lengthy war that would most likely cost the hostages’ lives.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/20/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostages-strategy.html