Gendelman told Sputnik: “The objectives of the war in Gaza have not changed. To return the captives, eliminate Hamas, and disarm the Gaza Strip.” Meanwhile, Israeli media, citing a government source, reported that Israeli authorities have decided to take control of the Gaza Strip. Earlier today, Israeli media announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite disagreements with the military, is moving forward. Yedioth Ahronoth also reported from Netanyahu’s associates that “the decision has been made, and we are heading towards full occupation of the Gaza Strip and resolution with Hamas,” indicating that “there will be military operations in areas where hostages are present.” Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has been witnessing the fiercest war in the history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict after Israel launched a wide-scale military campaign in response to a surprise attack by the Palestinian Hamas movement on southern Israel. Amid the imposed blockade and blocked land routes, particularly in the northern and central areas of the Strip, international and Arab efforts, including airdrops of aid, have intensified in an attempt to alleviate the worsening humanitarian disaster in the Strip, amidst warnings of an imminent famine and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
