"Netanyahu vows full conquest of Hamas"
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced a military operation to take over Gaza City, marking the first phase of a larger offensive aimed at defeating Hamas, disarming the group, and ensuring Israeli security control over the region[1]. This decision has sparked significant protests from the Palestinian population, who fear for their loved ones still held captive in Gaza, and drawn international criticism for its potential to cause mass suffering and violate international law[2].
The operation, expected to last several months, includes issuing eviction orders to about 1 million Palestinians in Gaza City and its surroundings ahead of the offensive. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel intends to control the Gaza Strip temporarily but does not wish to keep it permanently, instead aiming to create a security perimeter and hand control over to Arab authorities deemed capable of governing properly[1].
The Israeli premier mentioned a "fairly short timetable" for the next steps in Gaza, while Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel's military would remain in West Bank refugee camps at least until the end of the year[3]. Netanyahu defended the planned military offensive, stating that the goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to free it from Hamas control[1].
Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, marking one of the largest anti-government protests in recent months, while dozens of people protested outside the US consulate in Jerusalem against Israel's offensive[4]. Netanyahu commented on the recent decision by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to halt exports of military equipment to Gaza, stating he gave in to pressure[5].
The operation aims to root out Hamas while providing humanitarian aid outside combat zones[1]. However, organizations such as Amnesty International have condemned the move, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis and legal concerns regarding the occupation and escalation[2]. Milly Rothschild, one of the protesters, stated that the decision to expand the war is like deciding that hostages are no longer wanted alive[6].
Netanyahu blamed many of Gaza's problems on the Hamas militant group, including civilian deaths, destruction, and food shortages[7]. He also pushed back against what he calls a "global campaign of lies" regarding the plan, stating that Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas[8].
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution and an end to the suffering of the Palestinian population.
References:
- Israel to occupy Gaza City as first phase of offensive
- Amnesty International condemns Israel's planned offensive in Gaza
- Israel's military to remain in West Bank refugee camps until end of year
- Thousands rally in Tel Aviv against Israel's offensive in Gaza
- Netanyahu criticizes Merz for halting military equipment exports to Gaza
- Protester: Decision to expand war is like deciding hostages are no longer wanted alive
- Netanyahu blames Hamas for Gaza's problems
- Netanyahu: Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas
The impending Israeli military operation in Gaza City, deeply rooted in the politics of war and conflicts, has caused widespread concern in the general news arena, with international organizations criticizing it for potential humanitarian crises and legal violations. Thousands of Israelis, on the other hand, have rallied in support of the operation, fearing for their safety and expressing frustration with Hamas' control.
