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In a Sunday statement to foreign media in Jerusalem, Netanyahu defended the planned military offensive against Hamas, stating that Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.” He asserted that the goal was not to occupy Gaza but to free it. Netanyahu also accused critics of waging a “global campaign of lies” against Israel’s plans.
The planned expansion of Israeli military operations into Gaza City comes as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise from both fighting and hunger. Families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas say the offensive could endanger their relatives, with some calling for a nationwide labor strike to force the government to change course.
Netanyahu told reporters that Israel’s goals include demilitarizing Gaza, giving the military “overriding security control,” and installing a non-Israeli civilian administration. He also mentioned directing the military to “bring in more foreign journalists,” potentially changing the current policy of restricting independent press access to the territory.
Hours before Netanyahu’s remarks, hospital officials in Gaza reported that at least 26 Palestinians were killed while seeking food and other supplies along aid convoy routes and near privately operated distribution sites. Two children died of malnutrition-related causes on Saturday, bringing the total number among children to 100 since the war began.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on these incidents but accused Hamas of operating from civilian areas. Meanwhile, seven people, including two children, were reported killed in airstrikes in Gaza City and Khan Younis.
Tens of thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv Saturday night in what local media described as one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in months. Hostages’ families and their supporters are urging companies to join a planned nationwide strike this week to protest the Gaza City offensive.
In the West Bank, Israel’s ongoing operations have displaced about 40,000 Palestinians so far in 2025—the largest number since Israel took control of the territory in 1967. The military says these campaigns are needed to curb militancy.
Several allies have recently curtailed military shipments to Israel over concerns they could be used in Gaza. Germany, Israel’s largest European arms supplier, has suspended all military exports that could be deployed in the conflict, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating Berlin “will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”
Netanyahu fired back at Merz during Sunday’s press conference: “I respect Friedrich Merz. I think he’s been a good friend of Israel, but I think he’s buckled under pressure from false TV reports and internal pressure from various groups.”
Slovenia has imposed a full ban on the import, export, and transit of weapons to and from Israel, citing humanitarian concerns. Canada and the Netherlands have also halted arms shipments, citing fears of violations of international humanitarian law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his plan to expand military operations in Gaza: “Our goal is not to occupy Gaza but to free it from Hamas terrorists. The war can end if Hamas lays down its arms and releases all hostages.”
Lishay Miran-Lavi, whose spouse is among the hostages, said: “The decision to send the army deeper into Gaza is a danger to my husband, Omri. But we can still stop this disaster.”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated during an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures: “We are encouraging through every diplomatic method possible a rapid end to the conflict, with the hostages coming home and humanitarian aid flowing freely to Gaza.”
Slovenia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Žbogar, said: “We condemn Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. This plan risks violating international humanitarian law. We call on Israel to reverse this decision immediately.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained that his government had a “fairly short timetable” for the next phase of the campaign.
This article was updated with additional information on August 10, 2025, at 12:17 p.m. ET.
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According to Netanyahu's statement, what was one of Israel's goals for the planned military offensive in Gaza?
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