Israel’s PM Vows to Expand Military Operations to Fully Occupy Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his intent to expand military operations in Gaza, aiming to fully occupy the territory and achieve what he describes as the three main objectives of the war: defeating Hamas, freeing the remaining Israeli hostages, and ensuring Gaza can never again pose a threat to Israel. This statement marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has already seen the Israeli military control over 75% of Gaza, according to the IDF.

The United Nations has reported that only 12% of Gaza remains outside the Israeli military zone or areas not affected by evacuation orders. This has left the majority of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents in tent encampments in the southern part of the territory, where conditions are deteriorating rapidly. The UN has described the situation as nearing famine, with images of emaciated children sparking international outrage.

Netanyahu’s announcement comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations. According to an Israeli official, discussions with the Trump administration over the decision are ongoing, but there is a growing belief that Hamas is not interested in a deal. The White House has not commented on the Israeli plans, while U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has said his previous proposal for a temporary ceasefire and the release of about half of the remaining 20 Israeli hostages does not work and that Trump now believes all hostages should be released at once.

Hostage families and Israeli security officials have long argued that a negotiated agreement is the only viable path to securing the release of the remaining captives. However, Netanyahu’s new military strategy includes operations in areas where hostages are believed to be held, according to a source familiar with the prime minister’s decisions. This has raised fears among families of the remaining hostages, who worry that such a move could lead to their deaths.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is still held hostage, expressed her anguish on social media, stating that Netanyahu’s plans would turn the remaining hostages into “bodies” and make their deaths disappear. Videos released by Hamas late last week showed two hostages in extremely emaciated conditions, further fueling global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In response to the worsening conditions in Gaza, several Arab and European countries, including Canada, have begun air-dropping food into the region. Jordan has also condemned what it calls “the deliberate obstruction” of aid convoys by Israeli settlers, who have attacked trucks traveling through the West Bank en route to Gaza. Israel has imposed strict limits on the number of aid trucks allowed to cross daily, complicating the already dire humanitarian situation.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community remains divided on how to respond. While some countries push for a full ceasefire and an end to the violence, others support Israel’s military actions, citing the need to eliminate Hamas’ threat. The coming days are expected to be crucial in determining the future of the conflict and the fate of the remaining hostages.