Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends his government’s plan to take over Gaza City, claiming it is the “best way” to end the war and that operations will move “fairly quickly”
The UK, France and other European countries warn Israel’s plan “risks violating international humanitarian law”, as a UN emergency meeting on Gaza is took place yesterday in New York.
Protests against the government’s decision to expand the Gaza war have intensified in Israel as hostages’ families have condemned the move.
Israel strongly rejects the condemnation with Defence Minister Israel Katz saying it “will not weaken our resolve”.In Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry reports the total death toll from malnutrition has risen to 217, including 100 children
The Israeli government does not allow international news organisations, including the BBC, into Gaza to report freely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed media yesterday, in a news conference he said was aimed at “puncturing lies” about the war in Gaza.
Referring to the military plan approved by Israel’s security cabinet on Friday, the PM says Israel wants to “free Gaza”, not to occupy it – and called the plan the “best way” to end the war
Netanyahu outlined a three-step plan to increase aid into Gaza – including designating safe corridors for humanitarian aid distribution
Asked for a timeline on when he wants to conclude the expansion of the new offensive, he said operations will move “fairly quickly” and safe zones will be established first
Responding to a question on US President Trump’s comments about starvation in Gaza, Netanyahu said he appreciates the president’s support – adding Trump has said the hostages should be released and Hamas should not be in Gaza.
Credit: bbc.com
