Speaking at a press briefing for international journalists in Jerusalem on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended plans for a military push into Gaza City, insisting that Israel “has no choice” but to see the fight through and ensure Hamas is completely defeated. Netanyahu declared:  “We will win this war, with or without the backing of others.”

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s objective is not to occupy the territory permanently, but rather to “liberate Gaza.” He noted that there is a “relatively short timeline” for the next phase of operations. According to Netanyahu, Israel’s goals include stripping the enclave of weapons, keeping the Israeli military in control of overall security, and eventually handing administrative responsibilities to a civilian body that is not Israeli.

Netanyahu has come under intensifying pressure as his plan to seize Gaza City drew criticism from across the political spectrum and mass protests in Israeli cities, while Gaza’s Health Ministry reported rising malnutrition deaths. Netanyahu, however, denied claims of famine in Gaza, and acknowledged only “deprivation” – insisting Israel has “no choice” but to defeat Hamas, and stating that “hundreds of aid trucks” have entered the enclave. Netanyahu went on to place blame on Hamas for the dire humanitarian situation, including civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and limited access to aid. He claimed Hamas still has “thousands of armed fighters” in Gaza and said many Palestinians are “pleading” for liberation from the group’s control.

Netanyahu’s remarks came just two days after Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan authorizing the military to take control of Gaza City — a decision that has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and abroad. Opponents have warned it could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and place the hostages still held by Hamas since October 7, 2023, at greater risk.

The U.N. Security Council met in emergency session Sunday, with Britain, France, and Australia among those condemning the plan. The U.K.’s envoy warned it would “deepen the suffering” of Palestinians. The Gaza Health Ministry said five more people, including two children, died of malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the toll to 217, among them 100 children.

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