Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he plans to soon direct military operations towards achieving Israel’s three main objectives in Gaza: defeating Hamas, securing the release of hostages, and eliminating the threat Gaza poses to Israel. “Later this week, I will instruct the IDF on how to achieve the three war objectives we have set,” Netanyahu told his cabinet during a meeting.
This announcement coincides with an impending session of the United Nations Security Council, convened by Israel with the backing of the United States and Panama. The session aims to bring global attention to the plight of the 49 hostages still held in Gaza, with reports suggesting that 27 of them may already be deceased. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The world must put an end to the phenomenon of kidnapping civilians. It must be front and centre on the world stage.”
In response to Netanyahu’s plans, the Palestinian Authority’s foreign ministry condemned what it described as a “leaked” strategy shift, labeling it a dangerous pathway toward re-occupation. The ministry called on international powers to intervene and halt what it perceives as an escalation of military action in the region.
As pressure mounts on Netanyahu, families of the hostages have become increasingly vocal, with hundreds of former defense and intelligence officials signing a letter urging U.S. President Donald Trump to take action. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated, “Netanyahu is leading Israel and the hostages to ruin.” They warned that expanding the conflict could further endanger the lives of hostages already facing dire risks.
On the ground in Gaza, the humanitarian situation has drawn widespread outrage. Gaza’s civil defense reported that Israeli military actions resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals on Monday, including nine people who were awaiting food aid. International calls for restraint are intensifying, putting Israel in a challenging position amid ongoing military operations.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, describing the situation as “heart-rending and intolerable.” He stated, “That we have reached this stage is an affront to our collective humanity.” Turk urged Israel to permit urgent humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, cautioning that continued denial could constitute a war crime. He also called for immediate access to the captives by the Red Cross, labeling recently released videos of hostages as “shocking.”
The conflict, which escalated following a deadly Hamas attack in October 2023 that left 1,219 people dead in Israel-most of them civilians-has led to a staggering toll in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli military operations have claimed the lives of at least 60,933 people in Gaza, again predominantly civilians.
As the situation continues to evolve, both regional and international stakeholders remain on high alert, navigating the complex dynamics of hostilities and humanitarian needs.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-eyes-complete-gaza-takeover-to-rescue-hostages-report-11754341214804.html
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Publish Date: 2025-08-05 03:01:00
