According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, “US President Donald Trump has given Netanyahu the green light to launch an extensive military operation against Hamas,” indicating that there was a partial deal that was just one step away, but Israel quickly abandoned it. Meanwhile, Channel 14 reported from close associates of Netanyahu, saying that “the Prime Minister has decided on a full occupation of the Gaza Strip,” and confirmed that “if the Chief of Staff continues to oppose it, he can resign.” Yedioth Ahronoth also quoted Netanyahu’s associates, stating that “the decision has been made, and we are moving towards a full occupation of the Gaza Strip and a conclusive action against Hamas,” clarifying that “there will be military operations in areas where hostages are located.” It added that “it is not unlikely this is part of a negotiating tactic to pressure Hamas,” continuing: “The Chief of Staff should resign if this does not suit him.” Earlier today, Netanyahu stated that it was “to direct the Israeli army on how to achieve the three war goals.” Netanyahu emphasized “the need for everyone to continue standing together and fighting together to achieve all the war goals,” adding that “defeating the enemy, releasing hostages, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose any threat to Israel.” Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has been witnessing the most intense 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. The war has caused massive destruction in the besieged strip, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties, most of them civilians, amid an almost complete collapse of health and humanitarian infrastructure. With the imposed blockade and blocked land routes, delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza residents has become a “daunting task,” especially in the northern and central areas of the strip. International and Arab efforts have intensified, including air-dropping aid, in an attempt to alleviate the escalating humanitarian disaster in the strip, amid warnings of an impending famine and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
