Israeli PM Netanyahu Vows to Continue Military Operations in Gaza
Israeli leadership reaffirms commitment to military action against Hamas amid regional and international discussions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a firm commitment to continuing military operations in the Gaza Strip, indicating that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will operate at full strength in the coming days with the aim of defeating Hamas.
During a visit to injured soldiers, Netanyahu stated, "There is no situation in which we can stop the war," asserting that a defeat of Hamas is critical for both national security and the potential release of hostages held in Gaza, although he noted that the hostages' release is not a top priority at this moment.
Netanyahu mentioned the possibility of ethnic cleansing in Gaza, suggesting plans to relocate Palestinians to other areas outside the enclave, a proposal that has faced rejection from neighboring countries, which have stated they do not support the resettlement of Gazans.
"We are currently working on that plan," he said, claiming that if given an option, potentially half of the Gazan population would leave, if not more.
Earlier this month, the Israeli security cabinet approved an escalation of military efforts in Gaza, amassing tens of thousands of reservists to support a broader military campaign.
Current goals appear to focus on territorial expansion within Gaza, reducing the living space available to Gazans.
As it stands, Israel controls approximately 70 percent of the territory.
The United States has previously suggested that Gazans might need to flee to nearby countries, with the former President advocating for countries like Jordan and Egypt to accept more Palestinian refugees.
Netanyahu has also indicated his intention to intensify military actions during President Trump's visit to the Middle East, with the U.S. president currently in Saudi Arabia and scheduled to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
On the same day, an Israeli delegation arrived in Qatar for negotiations with Hamas regarding a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages, marking the first negotiations since March.
Two months prior, Israel had suspended talks on extending a ceasefire that had been in place.
Subsequently, the IDF resumed large-scale military operations both in and around Gaza.
Trump is expected to visit Qatar tomorrow, though it is uncertain whether he will address the specifics of a potential ceasefire during his discussions there.
Reports suggest that the U.S. president may propose a plan aimed at rapidly concluding the conflict, which would involve the release of all hostages in exchange for halting military operations.
Trump has not publicly stated that discussions concerning the Gaza conflict would take place during his Middle Eastern tour, which does not include a stop in Israel.
During a visit to injured soldiers, Netanyahu stated, "There is no situation in which we can stop the war," asserting that a defeat of Hamas is critical for both national security and the potential release of hostages held in Gaza, although he noted that the hostages' release is not a top priority at this moment.
Netanyahu mentioned the possibility of ethnic cleansing in Gaza, suggesting plans to relocate Palestinians to other areas outside the enclave, a proposal that has faced rejection from neighboring countries, which have stated they do not support the resettlement of Gazans.
"We are currently working on that plan," he said, claiming that if given an option, potentially half of the Gazan population would leave, if not more.
Earlier this month, the Israeli security cabinet approved an escalation of military efforts in Gaza, amassing tens of thousands of reservists to support a broader military campaign.
Current goals appear to focus on territorial expansion within Gaza, reducing the living space available to Gazans.
As it stands, Israel controls approximately 70 percent of the territory.
The United States has previously suggested that Gazans might need to flee to nearby countries, with the former President advocating for countries like Jordan and Egypt to accept more Palestinian refugees.
Netanyahu has also indicated his intention to intensify military actions during President Trump's visit to the Middle East, with the U.S. president currently in Saudi Arabia and scheduled to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
On the same day, an Israeli delegation arrived in Qatar for negotiations with Hamas regarding a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages, marking the first negotiations since March.
Two months prior, Israel had suspended talks on extending a ceasefire that had been in place.
Subsequently, the IDF resumed large-scale military operations both in and around Gaza.
Trump is expected to visit Qatar tomorrow, though it is uncertain whether he will address the specifics of a potential ceasefire during his discussions there.
Reports suggest that the U.S. president may propose a plan aimed at rapidly concluding the conflict, which would involve the release of all hostages in exchange for halting military operations.
Trump has not publicly stated that discussions concerning the Gaza conflict would take place during his Middle Eastern tour, which does not include a stop in Israel.
