Netanyahu says new Gaza offensive to be completed ‘fairly quickly’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he expects a new offensive in Gaza to be completed “fairly quickly” following his security cabinet’s approval of a plan to take control of Gaza City.

The plan has faced criticism, but Netanyahu said it was necessary to “complete the job” by defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken from Israel. He said the operation would target two remaining Hamas strongholds, claiming it was the only option available as the Palestinian group had refused to disarm.

Hamas has stated it will not lay down its arms unless an independent Palestinian state is established.

Netanyahu did not specify when the offensive would begin, but said the aim was to first establish “safe zones” so Gaza City residents could be moved out. Palestinians have said such zones have not shielded civilians from Israeli attacks in the past.

The prime minister added that Israel’s goal was not to occupy Gaza. “We want a security belt right next to our border, but we don’t want to stay in Gaza. That’s not our purpose,” he said.

The war, now in its second year, has displaced large numbers of civilians, with Gaza City’s pre-war population estimated at around one million