Netanyahu Expands Israeli Offensive in Gaza as Death Toll Surpasses 60,000
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to expand military operations in Gaza, targeting areas believed to hold Israeli hostages, as the Palestinian death toll surpasses 60,000 and hopes for a ceasefire fade.
Kokcha News Agency – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip, targeting areas suspected of holding Israeli hostages, according to reports from Israeli state television KAN. This decision comes despite ongoing disagreements within Israel’s security establishment and as the Palestinian death toll from the conflict surpasses 60,000.
Expansion of the Offensive:
Senior Israeli ministers revealed that Netanyahu has ordered the expansion of military operations in Gaza, including areas where Israeli hostages are believed to be held. The Prime Minister reportedly used the term “occupation of the Strip” during discussions, signaling a potential long-term military presence in Gaza.
Ceasefire Hopes Dim:
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have stalled, with Israel accusing Hamas of refusing to compromise. US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff visited Israel last weekend to discuss a plan to end the war, but Netanyahu has reportedly shifted focus to the complete military defeat of Hamas rather than pursuing a ceasefire.
Internal Disputes Over Hostage Deal:
Israeli Channel 13 reported that Netanyahu rejected proposals during a secret meeting that could have led to the release of all hostages and a ceasefire. Security officials reportedly supported a comprehensive deal, but Netanyahu’s political leadership blocked the agreement.
Public Outcry:
The Families of Hostages and Missing Persons Committee accused Netanyahu’s government of deliberately sabotaging potential deals and misleading the public. They highlighted that some hostages have died in captivity, and no significant military or hostage-related achievements have been made in the past five months.
Legal Turmoil in Israel:
In a separate development, Israel’s Supreme Court issued an interim order freezing the cabinet’s decision to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The court ruled that her directives remain legally binding until a final decision is made.
Baharav-Miara, who called her dismissal “illegal,” vowed to continue her duties, emphasizing her commitment to upholding the rule of law. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, however, stated that the government no longer wishes to work with her, while far-right Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi declared her “persona non grata” in his ministry.
Rising Death Toll in Gaza:
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 60,933, with 150,027 injured. In the last 24 hours alone, 94 people were killed and 439 were wounded in Israeli strikes.
