Netanyahu’s Statement on Gaza Control
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israel intends to exert complete control over the Gaza Strip and prevent Hamas from misappropriating aid intended for the region.
These comments came as the Israeli Defense Forces initiated a large-scale operation dubbed Gideon’s Tank, with Netanyahu asserting that Israel’s focus will shift toward full governance of Gaza.
“This is a strategy aimed at defeating Hamas. With our significant military operations, we will take all measures to prevent Hamas from accessing humanitarian assistance,” he explained.
“It’s a plan for warfare and victory,” he added.
Netanyahu mentioned that the Israeli Army (IDF) will coordinate with American companies to manage food supplies and the distribution of aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
“Our approach will involve establishing distribution points secured by the IDF, which will limit Hamas’ control, allowing American firms to deliver food and medical supplies effectively,” he stated.
“It will require time. Initially, we will establish the first point within days, gradually expanding it until we reach a situation where the IDF fully maintains control, ensuring the entire civilian population in Gaza receives assistance while preventing Hamas from taking anything,” he explained.
According to reports, aid trucks were seen heading to Northern Gaza, marking a significant move on October 7, 2023, that Israel indicated was essential to compel Hamas to free numerous hostages taken during the recent attack.
The blockade imposed by Israel has drawn widespread international criticism. Earlier this month, former President Trump commented that the US would assist Gaza, coinciding with his upcoming visits to the Middle East, covering Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
While Trump didn’t elaborate on details regarding aid resumption at that time, Israeli U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee indicated that the US was supporting the newly formed “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,” aimed at enhancing aid distribution with private enterprises.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt remarked on Monday that Trump is eager to see the hostages released from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Recently, Trump was involved in negotiations resulting in the release of an Israeli-American individual.
Leavitt refrained from commenting on Netanyahu’s assertion regarding Israel’s takeover of Gaza. Trump has suggested reshaping Gaza into a tourism destination akin to the Riviera, encouraging voluntary migration of Palestinians.
“We’ll have the President respond to the Prime Minister’s statements,” Leavitt stated.
Netanyahu noted that the ongoing situation has made Israel more patient regarding lockdowns, given international pressures. In a video shared on his Telegram channel, he expressed concerns about the potential “image of hunger,” noting that there are warnings from officials from a certain country about possible support loss if severe hunger were to increase.
“We cannot accept images of starvation. It’s intolerable, and we can’t provide support under such conditions,” Netanyahu emphasized in his video message.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken. In response, Israel conducted extensive military operations that caused significant casualties in Gaza, with estimates from the Gaza Ministry of Health stating around 56,000 Palestinians have died.
The US has supported two ceasefires in November 2023 and January this year, which allowed for the revival of Palestinian hostages and re-establishment of order in Gaza.
After the second ceasefire fell apart in March, the Trump administration is now striving to mediate an armistice that would facilitate the release of 58 hostages still held by terrorist groups, with indications that over 20 of them may still be alive.
