Israeli PM Netanyahu announces new Gaza offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the annual ceremony at the eve of Israel's Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers (Yom HaZikaron) at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in Jerusalem, 29 April 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a new offensive in Gaza will be an intensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas, but stopped short of detailing just how much of the enclave's territory would be seized.
"Population will be moved, for its own protection," Netanyahu said in a video posted on X. He said Israeli soldiers won't go into Gaza, launch raids and then retreat. "The intention is the opposite of that," he said.
Earlier, Israel's security cabinet has unanimously approved a plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip, an Israeli official, though the move will only be implemented after US President Donald Trump visits the region next week.
The decision comes amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement with Hamas, which Israel hopes to finalise before escalating its military efforts in the enclave.
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