Israel-Gaza war: 'Must take all necessary actions to defeat Hamas,' says Katz; backs Netanyahu's plan
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz on Tuesday said that Israel must take "all necessary actions" to defeat Hamas, adding that he would present Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu
with a new plan to achieve that objective.
"The defeat of Hamas in Gaza, along with creating the conditions for the return of the hostages, are the main objectives of the war in Gaza and we must take all necessary actions to achieve them," Katz said during a visit to an army position in Gaza. His comments came a day after Israeli media reported that the military may move to occupy the entire Gaza Strip.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to update Israel's Gaza war plan, ahead of a
UN Security Council
meeting focused on the hostages still being held in the Palestinian enclave.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting with the war entering its 22nd month, Netanyahu said he would instruct the military later in the week on how 'to achieve the three war objectives we have set.'
According to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 and the Jerusalem Post, the 'updated strategy' under discussion involves re-occupying the whole of Gaza, including parts of Gaza City where the military suspects hostages are being held.
The reports also noted that the Israeli cabinet would meet on Tuesday to endorse the proposed plan. However, there was no immediate official confirmation.
The Palestinian Authority's foreign ministry condemned what it described as a 'leaked' re-occupation plan and urged the international community to intervene to prevent a renewed military occupation.
Netanyahu is under growing domestic and international pressure to secure the release of the remaining hostages and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the population is facing starvation.
Meanwhile, Israel, with backing from the United States and Panama, is preparing to convene a UN Security Council session on Tuesday to bring international attention to the plight of the hostages.
Netanyahu reiterated on Monday that Israel's core war goals remain 'the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages and the promise that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.'
His statement followed a letter from hundreds of retired Israeli security chiefs to US President Donald Trump, urging him to pressure Netanyahu to end the war.
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