Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he expects a planned new offensive in Gaza to be carried out “fairly quickly,” even as the United Nations Security Council renewed calls to end the suffering in the Palestinian enclave.
Speaking on Sunday, Netanyahu defended his security cabinet’s approval of a controversial plan to take control of Gaza City, saying Israel has “no choice but to complete the job” and defeat Hamas in order to free hostages taken during past attacks.
According to Netanyahu, the upcoming operation will target two remaining Hamas strongholds, describing the move as the only viable option given the Palestinian group’s refusal to disarm. Hamas has maintained that it will not lay down its weapons unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised.
The prime minister did not specify when the offensive would begin but indicated that its first stage would involve creating “safe zones” to allow civilians to leave Gaza City.
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The city, which was home to around one million people before the two-year-old war, has seen repeated evacuations. However, Palestinians argue that such safe zones have previously failed to protect civilians from Israeli strikes.
Israel’s military chief has expressed concerns about occupying the entire Gaza Strip, warning that an expanded offensive could jeopardise the lives of hostages still held by Hamas and lead to drawn-out guerrilla warfare.
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Netanyahu insisted that Israel does not intend to remain in Gaza, stating: “We want a security belt right next to our border, but we don’t want to stay in Gaza. That’s not our purpose.”
The remarks underscore both the urgency and the controversy surrounding Israel’s next military steps, as global pressure mounts for a resolution that safeguards civilians while addressing security concerns.
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