Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended a new military push into one of Gaza’s most densely populated areas, insisting Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas” despite growing domestic and international condemnation.
Speaking to foreign reporters before an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on Gaza, Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to allow greater access for foreign journalists. Independent reporting in Gaza has been limited since the war began 22 months ago.
“Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza,” he said, accusing opponents of mounting a “global campaign of lies” and criticising German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for halting some arms exports to Israel. Netanyahu outlined aims for Gaza that include demilitarisation, Israeli security control, and a civilian administration not run by Israel.
While dismissing claims of starvation in Gaza, Netanyahu acknowledged “a problem with deprivation” and said Israel hoped to expand aid distribution, without giving details.
The comments came as Gaza health officials said at least 26 Palestinians were killed while trying to reach food distribution sites. Witnesses and hospitals reported deaths near aid convoys and privately run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) centres in Rafah, Khan Younis, northern Gaza, and central Gaza.
In one incident near the Morag corridor between Rafah and Khan Younis, 15 people were reported killed. Others died near the Zikim crossing and in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Witnesses in central Gaza said Israeli troops fired warning shots before targeting crowds, though the Associated Press could not verify the claim. Israel’s military denied involvement.
Seven more people, including two children, were killed in airstrikes in Gaza City and Khan Younis, according to hospitals. Israel has accused Hamas of operating from civilian areas.
