Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today defended his brutal offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has caused unprecedented levels of devastation, in an appearance before reporters in Jerusalem. He also rejected the"global campaign of lies" that he said has been waged against the Hebrew state.
Israel has no choice but to"complete the job" and defeat Hamas, given the Palestinian group's refusal to lay down its weapons, he said. Netanyahu also assured a press conference that his new plans for an offensive in Gaza are aimed at destroying Hamas's two remaining strongholds.
The Israeli president appeared before foreign journalists in Jerusalem, defended his military offensive and stated that"our objective is not to occupy Gaza, our objective is to liberate Gaza," AP reports.
In response to those who claim his plan is to expand the war, he has defended himself by saying he has a"fairly short timeline" in mind for the next steps in Gaza.
The goals there, he said, include demilitarizing Gaza, having the Israeli military have"predominant security control" there and a non-Israeli civilian administration in charge.
He added that he has ordered the army to "bring in more foreign journalists," which would be significant since journalists have not been allowed into Gaza except when accompanying military personnel.
The destruction of Gaza, Hamas's fault
Netanyahu has again blamed the Palestinian group Hamas for the current situation in Gaza, including civilian deaths in attacks by its military, the destruction throughout the Strip, and the shortage of aid.
