Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended a planned military operation in Gaza City, describing it as the only way to ensure the complete defeat of Hamas. Addressing foreign journalists in Jerusalem on Sunday, Netanyahu insisted that Israel’s mission is not to occupy the Gaza Strip but to “free Gaza” from Hamas’ control.
Netanyahu revealed that Israel has a “fairly short timetable” for the next phase of its Gaza strategy. Key objectives include dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities, maintaining Israel’s overarching security control, and installing a non-Israeli civilian administration to govern the enclave.
The remarks came just two days after Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a controversial plan authorizing the military to take over Gaza City, a decision that has sparked both domestic and international criticism. Opponents warn that the move could worsen Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis and endanger the hostages still held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attacks.
“We will win the war, with or without the support of others,” Netanyahu declared. The statement came ahead of an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on Israel’s Gaza City takeover plan.
According to Netanyahu, the approved strategy instructs the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to dismantle the final two Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and central refugee camps while relocating civilians into designated “safe zones” equipped with food and medical assistance. “This is the best way to end the war and to end it quickly,” he added.
Netanyahu also announced plans to allow more foreign journalists into Gaza, marking a possible shift in Israel’s media access policy. While he has yet to speak directly to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the operation, he said a conversation will happen “very soon.” Meanwhile, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting with Qatar’s prime minister in Spain to discuss a new Egyptian-Qatari proposal aimed at securing the release of all hostages, both living and deceased in exchange for ending the war and withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza.
U.S. Backs Israel Amid Global Criticism
During the UN Security Council session, the United States reaffirmed Israel’s right to decide its own security measures and dismissed genocide allegations as false. With its veto power, the U.S. can block any council resolutions against Israel.
However, several council members expressed grave concerns. China labeled the situation “collective punishment” of Gaza’s population, while Russia warned of a “reckless intensification” of the conflict. The UN humanitarian office described the crisis as “beyond horrific,” with Ramesh Rajasingham stating, “This is no longer a looming hunger crisis; this is starvation.”
More Civilian Deaths as Aid Shortages Deepen
In the past 24 hours, at least 26 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid in Gaza, according to hospital sources and eyewitnesses. The casualties include 10 people near the Morag corridor between Rafah and Khan Younis, and six more waiting for aid near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza. Additional fatalities were reported near humanitarian aid sites in Khan Younis and Rafah.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denied that the incidents occurred at or near its facilities, attributing the deaths to chaotic scenes as crowds tried to loot aid convoys. The Israeli military also said no incidents involving its troops occurred near central Gaza aid points.
Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the humanitarian crisis, accusing it of hoarding resources and using civilians as shields. While denying claims of starvation in Gaza, he acknowledged “deprivation” and vowed to increase aid distribution points, without giving specific timelines.
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