Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended a recent military operation in a densely populated area of Gaza, stating that Israel must continue its efforts to defeat Hamas. Netanyahu addressed foreign media before a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting on Gaza. He emphasized the importance of bringing in more foreign journalists to Gaza and clarified that Israel’s objective is not to occupy but to liberate Gaza.
Netanyahu criticized what he called a “global campaign of lies” and mentioned Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany’s decision to suspend military exports to Israel. Several countries’ foreign ministers criticized Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City, expressing concerns about the humanitarian impact and international law violations.
The Israeli Prime Minister outlined goals for Gaza, including demilitarization, enhanced security control by the Israeli military, and non-Israeli civilian administration. He attributed Gaza’s challenges to Hamas and highlighted the presence of armed militants in the region. Netanyahu acknowledged hunger in Gaza and pledged to increase aid distribution sites.
The United States supported Israel’s security decisions at the UN, dismissing allegations of genocide in Gaza as false. Other Security Council members and UN officials expressed alarm over the situation, with China condemning the collective punishment of Gazans and Russia warning against escalating hostilities.
Tragic incidents were reported in Gaza, with Palestinians killed while seeking aid. The conflict has displaced much of Gaza’s population and exacerbated the hunger crisis. Calls for a labor strike in Israel were made by bereaved families and hostages’ relatives to protest the potential escalation of the offensive. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz toured the West Bank, where Palestinians have been displaced due to military operations aimed at combating militancy.