Netanyahu Vows Full Control Over Gaza Strip Amid Renewed Offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will establish full control over the entire Gaza Strip, signaling an intensification of military operations even as international concern grows over the deepening humanitarian crisis. His remarks come at a time when limited humanitarian aid has resumed and ceasefire negotiations remain at a standstill.
Netanyahu Declares Total Control Over Gaza
Addressing the press on May 19, Netanyahu said, “We will take control of all the territory of the Strip,” making it clear that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will not halt until complete territorial control is achieved. He dismissed growing international calls for restraint and ceasefire, claiming that security interests demand a continued and unrelenting military presence inside Gaza.
This fresh escalation follows the latest operations in Khan Younis, where IDF units have re-entered with orders for evacuation issued to civilians. The military has described these incursions as part of a broader plan to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and neutralize any residual resistance.
Airstrikes and Civilian Casualties
As the military campaign intensifies, at least 22 civilians have reportedly been killed in recent Israeli airstrikes. Rescue teams have struggled to operate due to the continued bombardment and ground action, with several regions in Gaza witnessing partial or complete communication blackouts.
Netanyahu’s office did not offer specific casualty figures but maintained that all actions are “surgical” and directed at terror-linked infrastructure. However, global observers and humanitarian agencies warn that the death toll is mounting and that many civilian targets have been hit.
Limited Humanitarian Aid Amid ‘Operation Famine’
Amid growing fears of widespread starvation, Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has allowed “a basic amount of food” into Gaza. The move follows severe international backlash over what rights groups have dubbed “Operation Famine,” referencing Israel’s alleged use of starvation as a tool of warfare.
While Netanyahu denied any deliberate withholding of food, he acknowledged that humanitarian optics matter: “Even our best friends won’t tolerate mass hunger.”
The resumed aid is limited, with only a fraction of what is needed making it into Gaza each day. Aid agencies continue to warn of malnutrition and the collapse of basic medical services in large parts of the Strip.
Ceasefire Talks Remain Stalled
Despite mounting casualties and diplomatic outreach, ceasefire talks remain stalled. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will not negotiate under pressure and that no ceasefire will be considered until Hamas is “completely dismantled.”
Meanwhile, talks on hostage release have also made little headway. Netanyahu has insisted that no hostages will be exchanged until Israeli demands are met, a position that has angered some families of the hostages, who are urging the government to pursue parallel humanitarian negotiations.
