‘Not to capture free Gaza’: Netanyahu defends Israel’s military plans amid growing criticism; ‘The most terrible attack against Jews after Holocost on 7 October’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel’s purpose is not to capture Gaza, but to “free” it from Hamas and support the establishment of a peaceful civilian government. His comment was made during a phone call with German Chancellor Frederick Merz, which was posted on X according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. Netanyahu’s comments have come amid growing criticism of a new military scheme after approval by Israeli’s approval by the cabinet of Israel, including the control of Gaza city. The announcement has overtaken both domestic and internationally. Netanyahu said, “We are not going to capture Gaza – we are going to free Gaza from Hamas.” “Gaza will be demarcated, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established, a Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, and no other terrorist organization. It will help free our hostages and will ensure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future.” Netanyahu also expressed disappointment during a call on Germany’s decision to suspend arms exports to Israel.His office said, “Instead of supporting Israel’s Just war against Hamas, who launched the most terrible attack against the Jewish people since Holocost, Germany rewarded Hamas terrorism by embarrassing weapons for Israel,” said by his office. The update plan to “defeat” Hamas includes Israeli forces controlling the city of Gaza. Netanyahu’s government underlined five principles for the future of Gaza, including demonetisation and construction of an alternative civil authority. Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel does not intend to operate Gaza in a long term, but aims to establish a “security perimeter” and hand over control to Arab forces capable of maintaining stability. The AFP reported that the scheme has been completed globally with strong criticism. China, Türkiye, Britain, several Arab countries and the United Nations Human Rights Head gave voice to concerns. Hamas described the move as a “new war crime”. Meanwhile, in an important policy change, Germany has stopped military exports to Israel, citing concerns over their possible use in Gaza. Chancellor Frederick Merz stated that “it was difficult to understand” how the latest Israel’s latest actions support their declared goals. Last month, the Israeli army claimed that it controls about 75 percent of the Gaza Strip. Israel first captured Gaza from 1967 to 2005.
