JERUSALEM (AP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended a new military offensive in Gaza on Sunday, which has grown more extensive than originally announced. He stated that Israel "has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas," in light of increasing domestic and international criticism. Despite rising concerns among Israelis over the ongoing 22-month conflict, Netanyahu revealed that the security Cabinet had decided to dismantle Hamas strongholds not only in Gaza City but also in the central camps and Muwasi, areas that were not previously included in the military announcement.
The U.N. reports that these camps, which house over half a million displaced individuals, have become a focal point in the operation. Netanyahu faced backlash this weekend from within his coalition government, highlighting that merely targeting Gaza City would not suffice. He assured the public that "safe zones" would be established, although past designations had been subjected to bombardment.
As the day progressed, heavy bombardment was reported in Gaza City. Al Jazeera reported that its correspondent, Anas al-Sharif, was killed in a strike that also claimed the lives of three other journalists and a driver. The Israeli military contended that al-Sharif posed as a journalist and was affiliated with Hamas, a claim he denied. The Committee to Protect Journalists previously expressed grave concerns about al-Sharif's safety, labeling him a target of an Israeli smear campaign.
Netanyahu also spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about the military plan and expressed gratitude for the United States' steadfast support. During a media briefing, he rejected accusations of starvation in Gaza, referring to them as part of a "global campaign of lies." He emphasized that the goal was not to occupy Gaza but to liberate it, aiming for demilitarization and an end to Hamas' control.
Netanyahu asserted that Israel intends to increase the number of aid distribution sites in Gaza while claiming, “There is no hunger. There was no hunger.” However, humanitarian organizations are reporting dire conditions. He reiterated allegations against Hamas, stating that many Palestinian civilians are "begging" to be freed from its rule.
In response to the situation, the United States defended Israel at a United Nations Security Council meeting, insisting that Israel has the right to determine its security measures. The U.S. dismissed allegations of genocide in Gaza as false. However, other UN representatives raised alarms over the humanitarian crisis, with China condemning what they termed "collective punishment" and Russia warning against escalating hostilities.
Recent reports indicate that at least 31 Palestinians have been killed while trying to obtain aid in Gaza, with hospitals and witnesses accusing Israeli forces of opening fire on crowds. The reported fatalities include 15 individuals who were shot in the Morag corridor while waiting for food distributions. Witnesses described the situation as a "death trap," highlighting the desperate measures people are taking to feed their families.
Moreover, the crisis is deepening, with the U.N. indicating that hunger-related deaths among children in Gaza have now reached 100 since the beginning of the war. An additional 117 adults have died from malnutrition since June, showcasing the severe impact the ongoing conflict has had on the civilian population. The health ministry, aligned with the Hamas-run government, reports a total death toll of 61,400 Palestinians, with significant numbers identified as women and children.
This deadly conflict continues to compel further scrutiny of Israel's military operations and their humanitarian implications, raising pressing questions about the protection of civilian lives amidst the hostilities in Gaza.
