Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday that Israel intends to "take control" of the entire Gaza Strip, as its military continues a renewed and intensified offensive in the war-torn area.
Following Israel’s decision to allow a "basic amount" of food aid into Gaza, Netanyahu stated that this move was necessary to prevent famine, citing "diplomatic reasons."
In Gaza, rescue teams reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 22 people, after the military confirmed the start of "extensive ground operations" targeting Hamas.
"The fighting is fierce, and we are making progress. We will take control of the entire territory of the Strip," Netanyahu said in a video shared on Telegram.
"We will not stop. To achieve our goal, we must proceed in a way that cannot be hindered."
Israel is facing increasing international pressure, even from its close ally the United States, to end the total blockade it imposed on Gaza over two months ago.
"We must not allow Gaza’s population to fall into famine—for both practical and diplomatic reasons," Netanyahu explained, adding that even Israel’s allies would not tolerate “scenes of mass starvation.”
Earlier this month, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), supported by the UN and various NGOs, warned that Gaza is at a "critical risk of famine," with 22% of the population on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.
