Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday evening that a decision has been made for the entire occupation of the Gaza Strip, including operations in locations where hostages are kept
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday evening that a full-scale occupation of the Gaza Strip is underway, including operations in areas where hostages are being held.
The Prime Minister’s Office sent a stark message to Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Chief of Staff: “If this does not suit him, you should resign.”
This move follows prolonged ceasefire-hostage talks involving Israel, Hamas, and intermediaries in Doha and pressure on Israel to make peace with Hamas.
Netanyahu’s directive to seize the disputed region comes shortly after Hamas broadcast a video depicting several gaunt hostages pleading for help amidst a severe famine.
Hamas has consistently called for essentials like food and water to be allowed into Gaza as a precondition for resuming dialogue.
The Iran-backed militant group has dismissed reports of Israel’s intentions to conquer Gaza, calling the threats:
“Repetitive, worthless, and have no influence on our decisions.”
The statement follows months of negotiations in Doha involving Hamas, Israel, and international mediators who are seeking a ceasefire-hostage agreement.
The group is insisting that hundreds of aid trucks must be allowed into the Gaza Strip before it will return to talks, despite ongoing international efforts to deliver supplies to Palestinians through routes that bypass Hamas’ control.
Over the weekend, Hamas released videos of visibly emaciated hostages, claiming they are starving amid widespread famine in Gaza.