Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Saturday that Israel will continue its military operations in Gaza, stating the conflict will not end until Hamas is dismantled, hostages are released, and the territory no longer poses a security threat. His remarks come amid rising domestic and international pressure to reconsider the ongoing military campaign.
Netanyahu’s statement followed reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry that over 90 people had been killed in Israeli airstrikes within a 48-hour span, including women and children. The strikes targeted several areas, including Khan Younis and Rafah, where civilians had taken refuge in zones designated as humanitarian areas. Hospital officials confirmed fatalities in tent encampments and residential zones, with images from Khan Younis showing grieving families mourning young victims.
Israel’s military reported that over the weekend it had killed more than 40 militants, and also confirmed the first Israeli soldier fatality since operations resumed on March 18. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel—killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251—has since escalated significantly. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s military response, a figure that includes both civilians and combatants, although the ministry does not differentiate between them.
Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza for the past six weeks, halting the entry of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about worsening conditions, with reports of malnourished children and widespread hunger. On Friday, a senior World Health Organization official urged the U.S. ambassador to Israel to advocate for lifting the blockade to allow urgent medical and food aid.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces increasing criticism from families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, as well as from some military veterans. He claimed in his latest remarks that Hamas rejected Israel’s proposal to release half of the remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire.
Israel has signaled its intent to expand operations and establish long-term security zones within Gaza. Hamas, in contrast, demands a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. As the war enters its seventh month, public protests continue in both Gaza and Israel, with calls for a negotiated resolution and the return of all hostages.
The humanitarian toll and political challenges continue to mount, underscoring the complexities of reaching a lasting resolution amid ongoing violence.
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