Netanyahu doubles down: Israel plans final push to crush Hamas strongholds in Gaza city
Benjamin Netanyahu
strongly defended his government's plan to seize control of
Gaza City
and eliminate the last remaining
Hamas
strongholds, calling it 'the best way to end the war' swiftly.
Speaking on Sunday in Jerusalem, Netanyahu outlined a 'fairly short timetable' for the operation, which aims to dismantle Hamas's hold on Gaza City and the central camps, while creating safe passages for civilians to escape the fighting.
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With roughly 70 to 75 percent of Gaza already under
Israeli military control
, Netanyahu insisted that completing the defeat of Hamas was unavoidable. 'We have two remaining strongholds: Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi,' he said, emphasizing that Israel 'has no choice but to finish the job.'
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Despite his resolve, Netanyahu's statements drew immediate condemnation from Hamas, whose spokesperson dismissed the remarks as a 'series of lies.'
Rising pomestic protests
Netanyahu's announcement has intensified a deep divide within Israel, with growing protests against the expanded military campaign. Thousands marched in Tel Aviv over the weekend, warning that the new plan would likely fail and risk the lives of both hostages and soldiers.
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'It could very well be the end of our hostages,' protester Joel Obodov told AFP, expressing fears that the escalation would only prolong the conflict.
The prime minister faces criticism from multiple quarters: while many Israelis demand a ceasefire and hostage release, Netanyahu is also pressured by far-right coalition members to take an even harsher stance. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the plan 'half-hearted,' accusing the government of repeating an ineffective approach.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir pushed for total victory, advocating for the transfer and colonization of Gaza. Their influence remains crucial to maintaining the government's parliamentary majority.
Netanyahu's Resolve
Internationally, the expansion of hostilities has sparked alarm.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca warned that the plans could trigger 'another calamity in Gaza,' worsening displacement, deaths, and destruction across the region. Many foreign allies of Israel have urged a truce to secure hostage releases and address the mounting humanitarian crisis, with famine looming.
Despite this pressure and reports of dissent among Israeli military leaders, Netanyahu reiterated his determination: 'We will win the war, with or without the support of others.' He clarified that Israel's objective is not to occupy Gaza indefinitely but to establish a civilian administration free from Hamas or the Palestinian Authority's influence.
The prime minister also reportedly discussed the military plans in a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
Since Hamas's attack in 2023 triggered the conflict, 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with 27 confirmed dead by Israeli military sources. The ongoing
Israeli offensive
has resulted in at least 61,430 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry and UN figures. Meanwhile, recent Israeli fire killed at least 27 people across Gaza, including aid seekers near distribution centers.
The war, now more than 22 months old, continues to deeply divide opinion both within Israel and internationally, as the cycle of violence and demands for resolution intensifies.
(With AFP inputs)
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