JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have discussed Israel’s strategy for seizing the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza to end the war, secure the release of hostages, and defeat the militant group. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu thanked Trump for his “steadfast support” in executing the plan.
Netanyahu’s new military push, which was ordered by the security cabinet last week, is broader than previously reported. He confirmed that the operation aims to dismantle Hamas strongholds in Gaza City, the “central camps,” and Muwasi. While acknowledging that the operation is facing domestic and international criticism, Netanyahu insisted that Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.”
The Prime Minister also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, rejecting claims of starvation as a “global campaign of lies.” He stated, “There is no hunger. There was no hunger. There was a shortage, and there was certainly no policy of starvation,” but added that Israel plans to expand the number of aid distribution points.
International Reaction and the UN Security Council
The discussions between Netanyahu and Trump took place ahead of an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on the Gaza conflict. While the U.S. backed Israel at the meeting, asserting its right to self-defense and dismissing claims of genocide as “unfounded,” several other countries and UN officials voiced strong concern.
UN officials: Ramesh Rajasingham of the UN humanitarian office stated that the situation in Gaza is “no longer a looming hunger crisis; this is starvation.” He added, “Humanitarian conditions are beyond horrific. We have frankly run out of words to describe it.”
China: China’s representative said the “collective punishment” of Gaza’s population was unacceptable.
Russia: Russia’s envoy cautioned against a “reckless intensification of hostilities.”
The U.S., as a permanent member of the Security Council, holds veto power and can block any proposed resolutions.
War Casualties and the Humanitarian Crisis
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, 61,400 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war. The ministry, which is staffed by medical personnel, does not distinguish between combatants and civilians but estimates that roughly half of those killed were women and children. The United Nations and independent analysts consider the ministry’s figures to be the most credible source of casualty data in the conflict.
Hamas has issued a lengthy response to Netanyahu’s remarks, dismissing them as “blatant lies.” Netanyahu, for his part, maintained that “Hamas still has thousands of armed terrorists” and that Palestinians are “begging” to be liberated from them. He also outlined Israel’s post-war plan for Gaza, which includes demilitarizing the territory, ensuring Israeli “overriding security control,” and installing a non-Israeli civilian authority to govern.