(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel intends to take complete control of Gaza, even if Hamas agrees to a hostage release deal. His comments came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched the first phase of an operation targeting Gaza City, a Hamas stronghold in the northern part of the territory.

Netanyahu told Sky News Australia that removing Hamas remains Israel’s central objective, citing support from US President Donald Trump, who emphasized that Hamas “can’t stay” in Gaza. Netanyahu likened leaving Hamas in Gaza to leaving the SS in Germany after World War II.

He added that the conflict could end immediately if Hamas agreed to release hostages, disarm, and demilitarize Gaza, dismissing international criticism as a “tsunami of anti-Semitism.”

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the Israeli offensive risks “massive death and destruction.” Humanitarian groups, including the Red Cross, have urged Israel to halt operations as the Palestinian death toll since October 2023 surpassed 62,000. In response to the crisis, several countries, including France, are considering formally recognizing the State of Palestine.

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