By Gloria Nosa
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his strategy to seize control of Gaza City and eliminate the last remaining Hamas strongholds, calling it the “best and fastest way to end the war,” despite increasing calls from various quarters to halt the fighting.
Now over 22 months since Hamas launched its unprecedented assault on Israel, the country remains deeply divided. Some citizens and leaders urge for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to secure the release of hostages, while others insist on continuing military efforts until Hamas is decisively defeated.
Tensions escalated further after Netanyahu’s security cabinet announced plans to widen the military campaign by targeting Gaza City directly.
Speaking firmly to reporters on Sunday, Netanyahu insisted, “This approach is the quickest and most effective method to bring the conflict to an end.” He added that the operation would be carried out “within a relatively short timeframe.”
The offensive aims to dismantle Hamas’s two remaining strongholds—Gaza City and the central refugee camps—while establishing safe passages and secure zones to allow civilians to evacuate safely.
“We have already gained military control over approximately 70 to 75 percent of Gaza,” Netanyahu said. “But the fight remains in Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi.”
Hamas swiftly dismissed Netanyahu’s claims, labeling them as “falsehoods.”
Meanwhile, on the ground in Gaza, a recent Israeli strike killed five journalists working for Al Jazeera, including a prominent reporter, marking yet another deadly blow to media personnel. According to watchdog groups, roughly 200 journalists have lost their lives since the conflict began.
Public opposition to the expanded war effort grew over the weekend, with thousands protesting in Tel Aviv against the government’s decision.
Joel Obodov, a protester, told AFP, “This new plan is likely doomed to fail. It risks the lives of our hostages and soldiers alike.”
Throughout the conflict, Netanyahu has faced persistent protests calling for a ceasefire and a hostage exchange deal, citing previous truces that resulted in prisoner swaps.
Yet, the Prime Minister is also under pressure from far-right members of his coalition to adopt even tougher measures. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the plan as insufficiently aggressive, accusing the government of repeating ineffective military strategies.
Far-right figures, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have called for a more hardline approach, with Ben Gvir openly stating his desire for the entire Gaza population to be displaced and the territory colonized. He assured that the current plan would not jeopardize Israeli troops.
Internationally, Netanyahu’s decision to escalate the conflict has drawn widespread condemnation. UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca warned the Security Council that the plan could trigger “another catastrophe” in Gaza, worsening displacement, deaths, and destruction.
Several foreign governments, including Israel’s allies, have urged for a ceasefire to facilitate hostage negotiations and address the dire humanitarian crisis, with famine looming in Gaza.
Despite mounting criticism and reports of dissent within the Israeli military leadership, Netanyahu remains resolute.
“We will win this war, regardless of outside opinions,” he declared on Sunday. “Our objective is not to occupy Gaza permanently but to establish a civilian administration free from Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.”
Netanyahu’s office confirmed he had discussed the military plans with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone.
Out of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the 2023 attack, 49 remain captive in Gaza, with Israeli forces stating that 27 have died in captivity.
The ongoing Israeli offensive has resulted in at least 61,430 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry—figures the United Nations regards as credible.
On Sunday alone, Gaza’s civil defence reported 27 people killed by Israeli strikes, including 11 civilians near aid distribution centers.
Hamas’s initial attack in 2023 resulted in 1,219 Israeli deaths, based on official tallies compiled by AFP.
