Netanyahu Reaffirms Full Control Over Gaza as Israel Intensifies Military Campaign

 In a statement released Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel intends to take full control of the Gaza Strip, as the Israeli military escalated its ground and air operations in the conflict-ridden territory.

“The fighting is intense, and we are making progress,” Netanyahu said in a video message shared via Telegram. “We will take control of the entire territory of the Strip. We will not back down. But to succeed, we must act in a manner that is decisive and unyielding.”

Acknowledging growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Netanyahu added that it was essential to prevent famine in the region, citing both humanitarian and diplomatic imperatives. “We must not allow the population to descend into famine — not only for practical reasons but also to uphold our standing globally. Even our closest allies will not accept images of mass starvation.”

Following recent discussions in Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly expressed willingness for the United States to assume control of Gaza and lead demining and disarmament operations in the territory. “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will take responsibility for removing all unexploded ordnance and weaponry,” Trump said.

Netanyahu later welcomed the statement, expressing his alignment with the U.S. position and reiterating Israel’s commitment to coordinating efforts with Washington.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces have launched what they describe as “extensive ground operations” against Hamas strongholds. Concurrent air strikes have reportedly resulted in at least 22 fatalities, according to local sources.

Israel continues to face growing international pressure, including from key ally the United States, to ease the blockade imposed on Gaza more than two months ago. The humanitarian situation has reached critical levels, with the UN- and NGO-supported Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) recently warning that Gaza is at “critical risk of famine,” with 22 percent of the population facing imminent humanitarian catastrophe.

As the situation develops, global actors are closely monitoring both the military escalation and the unfolding humanitarian emergency, with calls intensifying for a sustainable resolution that ensures both security and human dignity.