Netanyahu hints at taking control of Gaza post-war amid Biden’s warning against full-scale Israeli occupation
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Tel Aviv: In a recent interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at Israel's intention to maintain security control over Gaza even after the conclusion of the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu expressed concern that relinquishing security responsibility could lead to an upsurge in Hamas activities, emphasizing the need for a sustained Israeli presence.
The remarks follow a warning from United States President Joe Biden, cautioning against a full-scale Israeli occupation of Gaza, deeming it a "big mistake." Despite supporting Israel's actions against Hamas, Biden and Netanyahu have diverged on certain tactical approaches, including efforts to minimize civilian casualties and the necessity for humanitarian aid pauses.
Netanyahu reiterated his stance that there would be no general ceasefire until Hamas releases captives in Gaza. However, he indicated a willingness to consider "tactical little pauses" for the movement of people and aid. The Israeli leader emphasized the importance of checking circumstances to facilitate the entry of humanitarian goods or the departure of individual hostages.
International pressure on Israel to halt its bombardment of Gaza has been mounting, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urgently calling for a ceasefire. Guterres described Gaza as a "graveyard for children." While Biden urged Netanyahu to agree to "humanitarian pauses" for aid delivery, he supported the Israeli leader's opposition to a comprehensive ceasefire.
Israel's military announced coordination with Jordan to airdrop essential medical supplies and food to a Jordanian field hospital in Gaza. The month-long conflict has taken a heavy toll, with the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave reporting over 10,000 Palestinian casualties, including more than 4,100 children.
In response to international criticism, Netanyahu acknowledged the tragedy of civilian casualties but disputed the reported death toll. He claimed that the figures included "several thousand" Palestinian fighters and accused Hamas of using the civilian population as human shields.