Netanyahu Says New Gaza Offensive to Begin “Fairly Quickly”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he expects to complete a new Gaza offensive “fairly quickly,” following his security cabinet’s approval of a plan to take control of Gaza City.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu insisted he had no choice but to “complete the job” by defeating Hamas and freeing hostages held by the group.

The offensive targets two remaining Hamas strongholds. Netanyahu described it as the only option due to Hamas’s refusal to disarm, with the group demanding an independent Palestinian state before laying down arms.

The exact start date of the offensive remains unclear. Netanyahu said the timeline is “fairly quick,” adding that safe zones will be created to allow civilians in Gaza City to evacuate.

Gaza City, home to about one million people before the conflict, would see residents moved into “safe zones,” though Palestinians say such zones have not always protected them from Israeli attacks.

Israel’s military chief has expressed concerns about occupying the entire Gaza Strip, warning that expanding the offensive could put hostages at risk and lead to prolonged guerrilla warfare.

Netanyahu clarified that Israel does not intend to occupy Gaza permanently but aims to establish a security belt near the border.

Meanwhile, European UN representatives condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning that the military expansion would further endanger civilians and hostages.

“This is a manmade crisis requiring urgent action to stop starvation and increase aid,” said officials from Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom.

Malnutrition is widespread in Gaza amid accusations that Israel restricts aid—a charge Israel denies, blaming Hamas and citing ongoing aid deliveries.

The US representative defended Netanyahu’s approach, pledging continued support for humanitarian aid, hostage release, and peace efforts.

Netanyahu confirmed Israel is working with Washington to increase aid flow into Gaza, including by land.

Tragically, Gaza’s health ministry reported five additional deaths due to malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the total to 217, including 100 children.

Aid delivery by airdrop has caused further casualties, including a 14-year-old boy killed by a parachuted aid box, according to Gaza officials.

Italy’s Foreign Minister warned that the Gaza invasion risks becoming a prolonged and costly conflict for Israeli forces.

The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, has killed over 61,000 Palestinians and displaced many, while hostage negotiations continue.