Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel’s new military push into Gaza aims to seize Hamas’ last strongholds and end the war “fairly quickly.”
The plan, approved Friday, calls for Israeli forces to expand operations and take control of Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban center — a move that has drawn fresh criticism from several European nations and other foreign governments.
Addressing foreign journalists in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel had “no choice” but to defeat Hamas, citing the group’s refusal to disarm. Hamas has insisted it will only lay down arms if an independent Palestinian state is established.
Netanyahu said Israel is coordinating with Washington on a “humanitarian surge” to boost aid deliveries while preparing for the Gaza City assault. He added that the offensive’s timeline would be short, with safe zones set up to allow civilians to leave the city before fighting intensifies.
“We want to bring the war to an end,” Netanyahu said. “This is how we bring the war to an end.”