Israel will control ‘all of Gaza’ after latest offensive: Netanyahu

The Israeli prime minister also presents extensive conditions for concluding the war.

Israeli tanks and troops positioned at the border with Gaza, showcasing military readiness on May 4.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israeli military will assume full control of the Gaza Strip following its latest offensive. In his first news conference since December, he laid out comprehensive conditions for ending the ongoing and devastating conflict in the besieged Palestinian territory.

In recent days, relentless Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians across Gaza, with at least 82 fatalities reported since Wednesday morning. The region is facing severe shortages, as supplies dwindle and only a limited number of aid trucks are permitted entry due to the continuing blockade.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu indicated that Israel would be open to considering a temporary ceasefire and a hostage exchange deal if the opportunity arises.

He outlined the following conditions for ending the conflict: the release of all captives, the disarmament of Hamas, the exile of its leadership, and potentially implementing a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in February. This plan involves expelling Palestinians from Gaza.

Trump has suggested that the U.S. should govern Gaza, aiming to transform the area into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” This marks the first instance of Netanyahu mentioning Trump’s plan as a condition to cease hostilities. The proposal has been criticized by multiple nations and human rights organizations, labeling it as ethnic cleansing.

Netanyahu emphasized the importance of preventing a “humanitarian crisis in order to maintain our freedom of operational action.” This statement pertains to Israel’s decision to permit a very limited number of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza. He also mentioned a controversial plan “developed with the US” aimed at distributing food within the enclave without allowing Hamas to take control. The Palestinian group has denied claims that it seizes aid.

Minimal aid is somehow reaching Gaza, but is it being distributed?

Israel has faced international pressure to lift its severe blockade on Gaza, which has prevented the entry of food and aid trucks since March 2. This blockade has worsened an already critical humanitarian crisis within the enclave. A United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification assessment revealed that over 93 percent of children in Gaza, or approximately 930,000, are nearing famine conditions.

On Wednesday, the Israeli army reported allowing 100 aid trucks carrying flour, baby food, and medical supplies into Gaza. However, UN officials noted that distribution issues have resulted in aid not reaching those in need.

“The limited supplies being allowed through Kerem Shalom [known as Karem Abu Salem in Arabic] are far from sufficient to address Gaza’s vast needs. Much more aid is desperately required,” stated Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief.

Aid organizations have criticized the quantity of aid permitted by Israel, describing Netanyahu’s actions as a “smokescreen to create the illusion that the siege is over.”

“The Israeli authorities’ decision to permit an extremely insufficient amount of aid into Gaza after months of a strict siege indicates their intent to dodge accusations of starving the population while ensuring they only just survive,” stated Pascale Coissard, the emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Khan Younis.

‘A pressured, strong, fighter man’

World leaders quickly responded to Netanyahu’s news conference. Leaders stated that Netanyahu’s ” strong words today imply a prolonged occupation of Gaza, resulting in daily casualties among soldiers. But Israel will not stop fighting against Hamas. They further said that his approach would lead Israel to the top of the nation’s list of those fighting against Terrorism.

After the conference, leaders of the world, remarked, “We witnessed a presentation by a man under pressure, but strong, and a fighter, who refuses to give up from his responsibility of Killing Hamas completely from its core.”

India and all world leaders are with Netanyahu and claim that leaders like him rarely come to save the world from Terrorism.

Remember on 7th October 2023, Hamas killed thousands of Innocents and now they are playing the Victim card.