Jerusalem: On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended a recent military operation in densely populated areas of Gaza, amidst increasing criticism both domestically and internationally. He stated that Israel has no alternative but to ensure the complete defeat of Hamas.
Speaking to international media just before an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council regarding Gaza, Netanyahu revealed that he has instructed the Israeli military to allow more foreign journalists into Gaza, a significant shift from the restrictions imposed over the past 22 months of conflict.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's intention is not to occupy Gaza but to liberate it. He also countered what he termed a 'global campaign of misinformation,' mentioning that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a staunch ally of Israel, had 'yielded' by declaring that Germany would halt military equipment exports to Israel that could be utilized in Gaza until further notice.
He indicated that there is a 'relatively short timeline' for the next actions in Gaza, although he refrained from providing specific details. The objectives include demilitarizing the region, ensuring that the Israeli military maintains 'overriding security control,' and establishing a civilian administration that is not Israeli.
Netanyahu attributed many of Gaza's issues to the Hamas militant organization, citing civilian casualties, destruction, and aid shortages. He claimed that Hamas continues to have thousands of armed militants in Gaza, asserting that Palestinians are 'pleading' for liberation from their control.
While the Prime Minister previously stated that there is 'no starvation in Gaza,' he did acknowledge the existence of hunger, admitting, 'there was a problem with deprivation, no question about it.' He expressed Israel's desire to expand the number of aid distribution points but did not provide further specifics.
