Netanyahu claims plan to take over Gaza City is 'fastest way to end war'
Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City is the best way to end the war in the Palestinian territory, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a press conference on Sunday. He stressed that Israel had no intention of holding Gaza in the long term.
Under the plan approved by Israel’s security cabinet on Friday, the army will move to take control of Gaza City, which has already been largely destroyed.
"Contrary to false claims, this is the best way to end the war and the best way to end it speedily," Netanyahu said.
He said around 75 per cent of Gaza was under Israeli military control, but that the Palestinian militant group Hamas still had strongholds in Gaza City and the "central camps." He argued that Israel had “no choice” but to expand the conflict and "finish the job".
Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel was starving Gaza’s population, insisting this would not happen during the planned offensive. He blamed food shortages on Hamas, and accused the international media of buying into the group’s propaganda "hook, line and sinker", denying mounting evidence of mass starvation in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s statements further isolated Israel internationally. Also on Sunday, members of the United Nations Security Council urged Israel to halt plans to expand the offensive.
UK ambassador James Kariuki called the move "a path to more bloodshed" that would "only deepen the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza". France and Denmark also condemned the plan.
Netanyahu appeared unmoved by foreign criticism. "Israel will win the war in Gaza, with or without the support of other countries," he said.
© PHOTO ABIR SULTAN / POOL / AFP
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