Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated a clear vision for Gaza in a press conference on Sunday, focusing on eliminating Hamas' grip and dismissing the concern that Israel could permanently take over the area following Thursday controversial Diplomatic-Security Cabinet vote to authorize the military operation to seize remaining Hamas territory. "No country can accept a terrorist organization that threatens to destroy it," he said, underscoring Israel's resolve. His plan avoids long-term Israeli control, prioritizing liberation over occupation.
"Our goal is not to occupy Gaza but to liberate it from Hamas," Netanyahu said. He outlined the creation of a new civilian authority independent of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. "We will work to establish a civilian authority that is not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority," he said.
To support this, he proposed establishing a buffer zone and designated areas for food distribution in Gaza. "A buffer zone will be established in the Gaza Strip and areas for food distribution will be created," he said. Netanyahu also highlighted Hamas's interference with aid, stating, "Hamas is seizing aid in Gaza," he said.
He explained the conference purpose was to combat distortions about their efforts in the area. "Our goal from this conference is to put an end to the lies and misinformation regarding what we are doing in the sector," Netanyahu said. "In light of Hamas' refusal to lay down its weapons, Israel has no choice but to complete the mission and defeat it," he said.
The revised offensive approaches in Gaza focus on addressing the final pair of Hamas bastions. "The new attack plans on Gaza aim to deal with the two remaining strongholds of Hamas," Netanyahu said. He pointed out that Hamas is not passing on vast quantities of permitted food supplies in Gaza. "Hamas refuses to distribute thousands of tons of food that we allow to enter the Gaza Strip," he said. The approach encompasses relocating non-combatants. "The plan will include the evacuation of civilians," Netanyahu said. He viewed the selected approach as the superior means to terminate the fighting.
"The plan we adopted is the best way to end the war," he said. Netanyahu spoke of creating secure routes for providing relief supplies. "We will establish safe corridors for the distribution of humanitarian aid," he said. Deliveries via aircraft will also be enabled. "We will also allow the delivery of aid by air," he said. In the Gaza Strip, a protective area will be implemented with sites for allocating provisions.
