Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israel will aim to control all of Gaza, despite mounting international pressure that led to the lifting of a blockade on aid shipments to the region, where humanitarian conditions are dire.
The Israeli military, which launched a new operation on Friday, warned residents in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis to evacuate immediately in preparation for a significant attack. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s goal was to “control all parts of Gaza” and achieve “complete victory” by dismantling Hamas’ military and governance structures and freeing the remaining hostages taken during the October 2023 assault.
“I promise you, we will not stop until Hamas is destroyed,” Netanyahu said in a video message. The operation, dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” targets Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, as well as a new push to recover the hostages.
Meanwhile, despite Israel’s continued military escalation, aid trucks were seen heading into northern Gaza, a concession Netanyahu made in response to global concerns over the escalating humanitarian crisis. On Monday, 50 trucks filled with essential supplies, including flour, oil, and legumes, were allowed into Gaza, while nine trucks with baby food were expected to enter soon.
The easing of the blockade came after international criticism, particularly over the worsening famine conditions in Gaza. Palestinian health officials have reported at least 20 deaths from Israeli airstrikes overnight, bringing the toll of fatalities over the past week to more than 500, as Israel ramps up its air and ground assaults.
In a separate operation, Israeli forces, disguised as displaced civilians, killed Ahmed Sarhan, a leader of the Popular Resistance Committees, in a raid on Khan Younis. The strike left Sarhan’s wife and children detained before Israeli forces retreated under fire from air support.
The humanitarian situation worsens as Israel’s ground campaign continues, displacing large numbers of civilians. Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticized the failure to devise a post-Hamas strategy for Gaza, saying Israel’s inability to displace the group from the region marked a “resounding failure.”
Negotiations mediated in Qatar between Israel and Hamas remain stalled, with no progress on a ceasefire or a potential truce. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri warned that Israel’s increased military activity could jeopardize the remaining hostages, signaling further dangers as the conflict escalates.
The ongoing war, ignited by Hamas-led attacks on Israeli communities near Gaza in October 2023, has already killed over 53,000 people, primarily civilians, according to Gaza health authorities, making the path to peace and stability even more elusive.
