Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to capture the entire Gaza; Hamas warns that “will not take a walk in the park”
In a major escalation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he intends to take full control of the city of Gaza. The move comes after nearly two years of war with Hamas, which has attracted international attention and updated its call for an end to hostilities.
Israel’s safety cabinet approved the plan late Thursday night, and Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision on Friday. “To ensure our safety, to ensure our safety, Hamas will be removed,” Netanyahu said in an interview with foreign news channels before the cabinet meeting. “We don’t want to keep it. We want to have a safe perimeter.”
“We want a safe perimeter”: Netanyahu
The announcement comes as a devastating military campaign that has killed thousands of people in Gaza, displaced its vast majority of its population and triggered a humanitarian disaster bordering famine.
Netanyahu elaborated in the same interview: “Israel intends to control all Gaza to ensure our security, remove Hamas from Gaza and free the population from Gaza.”
Hamas warns not to escalate
Although Israel currently controls three-quarters of the territory, full control will mark a significant expansion of the operation. This has raised alarm from international stakeholders. “It is wrong for Israel to decide to further escalate its offense in Gaza,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “It only brings more blood. … Both sides have to leave the path of destruction.”
Australia and other countries have also expressed reservations, calling for restraint and humanitarian relief.
Hamas responded sharply to the Israeli announcement. “Extended aggression against our Palestinian people will not be walking in the park,” the group said in a statement.
The expansion of the offensive could widen the rift between Israel and its international allies, especially as criticism of the prolonged war grew. The Associated Press reported that despite the increase in international criticism, specific actions remain limited.
Israeli military prepares Gaza city to control
According to Israeli media reports, Chief of Military Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir expressed concern that further expansion could endanger the safety of about 20 hostages, who were in Gaza and exhausted Israeli forces after a protracted conflict.
Meanwhile, mediators from Egypt and Qatar are reportedly studying a comprehensive ceasefire framework, according to two Arab officials cited by the Associated Press. The proposed agreement includes the release of all hostages who died or live in exchange for the end of the war and the evacuation of Israeli forces from Gaza.
“The military will be prepared to control the city of Gaza while providing humanitarian assistance to civilians outside the theater,” Netanyahu’s office said.
The conflict broke out on October 7, 2023, when militants led by Hamas rushed into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 people. While most hostages have been released through a ceasefire or negotiated deal, there are still about 50 hostages in Gaza, with an estimated 20 Israeli people still alive.
(with agent input)
