ALWAGHT- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that his government intends to "take control of all" of the Gaza Strip, as the military launches a newly intensified offensive in the blockaded territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his aim for Israel to fully control the Gaza Strip, stating in a Telegram video that the military campaign is intensifying and making progress. He stressed that Israel must act decisively and without interruption to achieve this objective, vowing not to give up.
Netanyahu also explained the decision to allow limited humanitarian aid into Gaza for the first time in nearly two months. He said the move was made to prevent famine and avoid international backlash, particularly from close allies. Pro-Israel US senators reportedly warned him that images of mass starvation could erode diplomatic and military support.
Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich backed the decision, saying it would help preserve international backing. Since October 7, 2023, Israel's military campaign has killed over 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. A ceasefire deal reached in January failed to yield Israel's key objectives, and hostilities resumed on March 18 after Israel broke a nearly two-month truce.
