Netanyahu Considers Full-Scale Occupation of Gaza as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering expanding military operations to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, as the humanitarian crisis worsens and the death toll from Israeli attacks continues to rise.
Kokcha News Agency – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leaning towards a decision to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, according to reports from Channel 12, one of Israel’s leading television networks. The decision is expected to be made during a security cabinet meeting this week.
Netanyahu, during a cabinet meeting on Monday, stated that he would convene the security cabinet to instruct the Israeli military to achieve all war objectives: “We must stand together and fight together to achieve all our war goals: the defeat of the enemy, the rescue of our hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”
Netanyahu’s Response to Hamas Videos:
Netanyahu also responded to recent videos released by Hamas showing two Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, calling the act an attempt to break the spirit of the Israeli people and government. In a video message to the Israeli public on Sunday, Netanyahu said, “Like you, I saw the Hamas videos of our dear boys and was horrified. I contacted their families, embraced them on behalf of myself, my wife, and all of you.”
He added, “You see them in a dark prison, but the Hamas monsters around them have thick, fleshy arms. They have everything they need to eat, but they keep the hostages hungry—just as the Nazis starved the Jews.”
Potential Escalation of Israeli Attacks:
The Financial Times reported that the Israeli government is considering expanding its military operations to more areas of Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. However, such a move is likely to intensify international condemnation of Israel.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens:
Palestinian health officials announced that at least 40 Palestinians were killed on Monday due to Israeli gunfire and airstrikes in Gaza, including 10 people who were trying to receive aid. Five others died of starvation, and humanitarian agencies are warning of the risk of widespread famine in Gaza.
According to local rescuers, 10 people were killed in two separate incidents near aid distribution centers run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in central and southern Gaza. The United Nations has stated that over 1,000 people have died since May while trying to receive aid from the foundation.
