Netanyahu Defends Gaza Offensive Amid Rising Palestinian Deaths

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly defended Israel's new military offensive in Gaza, emphasizing that the country "has no choice but to finish the job" by fully defeating Hamas. He described the operation as the best way to quickly end the war and recover hostages, rejecting international and domestic criticism while blaming Hamas for civilian suffering and aid shortages. Netanyahu announced a policy change to allow more foreign journalists into Gaza, a significant shift given previous restrictions, and outlined goals including demilitarizing Gaza, establishing Israeli military security control, and installing a non-Israeli civilian administration. He reaffirmed that Israel's objective is to free Gaza, not occupy it, and insisted on a fairly short timetable for the operation. The offensive has resulted in growing civilian casualties, including at least 26 Palestinians killed while seeking aid, intensifying global condemnation and prompting an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting. Netanyahu also criticized what he called a "global campaign of lies" and expressed disappointment over Germany halting military equipment exports to Israel.