Netanyahu says ‘no plans to occupy Gaza, but liberate it from Hamas’ meets backlash
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Israel’s security cabinet on Sunday strongly opposed to the decision of Prime Minister Netanyahu to fully take control of Gaza, Netanyahu stated, “We are not going to occupy Gaza we are going to liberate Gaza from Hamas.”
UK and European allies urged restraint on Netanyahu’s plan to completely takeover Gaza.
Netanyahu tweeted, “We are not going to occupy Gaza – we are going to free Gaza from Hamas. Gaza will be demilitarized, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established, one that is not the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, and not any other terrorist organization. This will help free our hostages and ensure Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future.”
Israel’s Cabinet approved Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan, Germany—a key European ally announced it would halt exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza.
The UK and other European nations urged Israel to reconsider escalating its military operations in the region.
Israel revealed intentions to intensify its ongoing conflict with Hamas, targeting control over Gaza City.
According to media a source familiar with the plan said the operation would proceed “gradually,” though no exact timeline has been provided.
Netanyahu’s office announced that the Cabinet had agreed on “five principles” to guide the campaign.
These include the demilitarization of Gaza and the establishment of a new civil administration, excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Netanyahu office said in a statement that the approved strategy, aimed at dismantling Hamas, involves the Israeli military preparing to take over Gaza City while ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians in areas away from active fighting.
