Israeli PM Affirms Commitment to Military Operations Against Hamas
JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke out on Sunday, defending a new military offensive in Gaza. He emphasized that Israel must “finish the job” and defeat Hamas completely, even as criticism grows from both within Israel and internationally.
Despite rising concerns about the ongoing conflict spanning 22 months, Netanyahu announced plans to dismantle Hamas strongholds, expanding beyond just Gaza City to include other areas like central camps. This move raises questions about the strategy, especially after receiving pushback from coalition partners who believe that focusing solely on Gaza City isn’t sufficient.
Heavy bombardments were reported in Gaza City late Sunday. Tragically, several lives were lost when a strike hit a tent where journalists were gathered outside Shifa Hospital. While Israel’s military claimed that one journalist was affiliated with Hamas, the journalist himself denied any political ties.
In a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu expressed gratitude for America’s ongoing support. During a press briefing held before a U.N. Security Council meeting, he rejected claims of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, asserting that the aim is not occupation but rather the liberation of the region from Hamas control. He emphasized the importance of demilitarizing Gaza while maintaining that there’s no systematic policy of starvation, insisting that humanitarian aid efforts will be increased.
Netanyahu attributed many of the current hardships in Gaza to Hamas, claiming that the group still has numerous militants active. In response, Hamas dismissed Netanyahu’s comments as “blatant lies.”
U.S. Stands Firm with Israel
At the Security Council meeting, the United States reaffirmed Israel’s right to make decisions for its own security, dismissing allegations of genocide in Gaza as inaccurate. Meanwhile, other nations expressed concern over the situation in Gaza, with China condemning what it described as collective punishment.
Reports indicate that humanitarian conditions are critical, with many suffering from malnutrition and hunger. Over 31 Palestinians reportedly lost their lives while trying to access aid. Witnesses described scenes of desperation, as people sought food and assistance amidst intense gunfire.
The ongoing conflict has led to significant humanitarian issues, with recent figures revealing that malnutrition has claimed the lives of over 100 children since the war’s escalation.
As the situation remains tense, Israel is faced with mounting pressure even from its traditional allies. Criticism has emerged from various fronts, showing that finding a resolution to this conflict is more urgent than ever.
