Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel is “prepared” for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal, but made clear that the country’s military operation in Gaza will not stop until full control is achieved.
Speaking about Operation Gideon’s Chariots, Israel’s new ground offensive in Gaza, Netanyahu revealed he gave the green light for the next phase of the war three days ago. “At the end of this campaign, all of the territories of the Gaza Strip will be under Israel’s security control,” he declared.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces have “pounded” their enemy in the south and withstood “incredible” international pressure to halt the war.
The Prime Minister also addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying he has been contacted by some of Israel’s “greatest friends” who pledged full support and weapons shipments, but also expressed concern over the deepening humanitarian crisis.
In response, Netanyahu said Israel has developed a new three-stage programme with the United States to distribute essential supplies to civilians in Gaza.
“This plan includes bringing basic food items ‘to prevent a humanitarian crisis now’, opening food distribution points by American companies secured by Israeli forces, and creating a ‘sterile zone’ in the south where Gaza’s civilians can get ‘full humanitarian assistance’,” he said.
On Iran, Netanyahu reiterated that the country remains a “major threat” to Israel’s security. He said Israel is working in “full coordination” with the United States in hopes of securing a deal to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
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“In any case, the State of Israel retains the right to protect itself from a regime that’s ready to destroy it,” he said.
The Israeli leader also said his forces had succeeded in targeting key Hamas figures. He claimed Israeli troops had killed Yahya Sinwar, the top Hamas leader said to have orchestrated the 7 October attack on Israel, and “probably” his brother Mohammed Sinwar.
Mohammed Sinwar was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza last week, although official confirmation remains pending.
Netanyahu said Israel had already achieved “a lot” in its “clear and justified” objective of dismantling Hamas, but added: “Our work isn’t over yet.”
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