"It's Not About Occupying Gaza,
But Liberating It"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on August 10 (local time) that "the goal of expanding military operations in the Gaza Strip is not to prolong the war, but to end it."
Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem that afternoon, Netanyahu said, "Israel has no choice but to defeat Hamas and accomplish its mission," reiterating his position.
He stated, "Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to liberate it," adding, "We will establish a civilian administration that is not linked to either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (PA)." He went on to say, "Seventy to seventy-five percent of the Gaza Strip is under our control," and identified "the two remaining Hamas strongholds?Gaza City in the north and the Beach Camp in the central region?as our targets." Netanyahu also mentioned that "the next phase is being considered with a rather short timetable in mind."
Netanyahu once again emphasized the five principles for ending the war, which he had presented at the security cabinet meeting on August 8: the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israel's security control over Gaza, and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration not affiliated with Hamas or the PA.
Netanyahu also claimed that the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including residents dying from starvation, is the responsibility of Hamas, not Israel. He argued, "The starvation crisis occurred because Hamas has been seizing aid supplies and not distributing them to residents," and added, "We will designate safe corridors for the passage and distribution of relief supplies in Gaza."
Netanyahu further criticized Hamas for spreading fake news worldwide, stating that the group has been distributing photos of children with severe genetic disorders, presenting them as images of starving children. According to AP, casualties continue to rise in Gaza, with at least 31 people killed while trying to receive aid supplies and 7 people killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Netanyahu's press conference took place just before an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss issues related to Israel's plan to occupy Gaza City. Netanyahu is expected to reiterate Israel's plans and position for ending the war in Gaza later that evening.
Meanwhile, on August 9, tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv to protest against Netanyahu's plan for the complete occupation of Gaza City. Organizers stated that more than 100,000 people participated, and local media reported that it was the largest anti-government protest in recent months.
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