Gaza must be demilitarized, Hamas destroyed — Netanyahu insists

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that lasting peace in Gaza hinges on the destruction of Hamas, the demilitarization of the territory, and the deradicalization of Palestinian society.

His strong declarations come as the World Health Organization reports “harrowing” accounts of families killed in recent strikes on a Gaza refugee camp.

Netanyahu, unwavering in his commitment, stated in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that “Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarized, and Palestinian society must be deradicalized.”

He outlined plans for demilitarization, including establishing a temporary security zone on the perimeter of Gaza, with Israel retaining overriding security responsibility.

During his visit to Gaza, Netanyahu affirmed, “We’re intensifying the fighting in the coming days,” sparking concerns globally as the conflict takes a toll on civilians.

The war erupted on October 7 when Palestinian militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.

The Israeli response, marked by extensive aerial bombardment and a siege, has claimed over 20,000 lives, mainly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Reports from Al-Maghazi refugee camp describe residents returning to the ruins of their homes, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting at least 70 killed in recent strikes.

WHO staff, visiting a hospital treating victims, shared harrowing accounts of loss, including a child who lost their entire family.

As vast areas of Gaza lie in ruins, 2.4 million people face dire shortages of water, food, fuel, and medicine.

Gazans, grappling with real hunger, wait for aid distribution. UN estimates indicate 1.9 million displaced Gazans, many enduring harsh conditions in shelters and makeshift tents.

The head of the UN refugee agency, Filippo Grandi, emphasizes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza to alleviate the suffering.

In a special parliamentary session, Netanyahu addressed the issue of hostages in Gaza, facing criticism from families for the prolonged captivity of their loved ones. The number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza has risen to 158.

Amid the conflict, concerns of regional escalation heighten, with an Israeli air strike in Syria allegedly killing a key figure in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. Additionally, Yemen’s Huthi rebels, also Iran-backed, target cargo vessels in the Red Sea, prompting the United States to build a naval task force to deter missile and drone strikes.