68% Jews believe Israel couldn't defeat Hamas: survey

Almost 68% Jews believe their country is far from achieving victory in the one-sided war in Gaza, according to a survey conducted by Israeli media channel 12 News.

The sentiment came as a major blow to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which has been struggling to gain the upper hand against the Palestinian jihadist organisation Hamas.

The survey revealed that two-thirds (67 percent) Israelis prioritise the return of hostages over continued military action in the coastal enclave.

Mossad chief David Barnea has also visited Qatar to discuss a potential agreement for the release of hostages, hinting at a negotiated settlement. 

The survey also highlighted Netanyahu's dwindling popularity, with 68% of respondents rating his performance as "poor" and 43% calling for new elections to be held "as soon as possible".

Israel's war on Gaza has killed over 14,000 children and tens of thousands more have been injured.

The population of Gaza has decreased from 2.3 million to 2.1 million during the nine months of the Israeli military offensive in the coastal enclave, according to recent estimates by the UN humanitarian community.

At least 38,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since October 7.

However, Hamas has not backtracked from its commitment to make Palestine an independent state.