The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu announced this Saturday that the Government of Israel has approved the expansion of the “ground offensive” in the Gaza Strip to launch new attacks against the terrorist group Hamas, which is holding captive citizens of Jewish state it intended to use as a currency of exchange.
“We have unanimously approved the expansion of the land invasion. Our goal is specific: defeat the murderous enemy. We declare ‘never again’ and we repeat ‘never again’», Netanyahu said in an official appearance from Tel Aviv reported by the Israeli press.
Now it begins a “second phase” with the entry of more ground forces into Gaza since Friday night. The objective is “the destruction of the military and government capacity of Hamas and the return of the hostages to their homes,” he reiterated. “Our commanders are fighting in the territory enemy knows that the country and the national leaders are with them,” he said. “They are determined to eliminate this evil from the world, for our existence and, I would add, for all humanity,” he assured.
Netanyahu also denied that the Israeli Armed Forces committed war crimes. “Those who accuse the Israel Defense Forces of war crimes are hypocrites. I ask the civilians of Gaza to evacuate the south of the Gaza Strip (…). The enemy is abusively using hospitals and shelters (…) “Israel is fighting for the people and against the barbarians,” he argued.
Netanyahu promised to fight for the hostages
Regarding the hostages, Netanyahu met with their families this afternoon. “It broke my heart when I met the families of the hostages. I assure them that we will exhaust all means to bring their loved ones back home. Their situation is a crime against humanity,” the Israeli president emphasized.
Netanyahu also highlighted the «width”relations that Israel has made since the beginning of the conflict with the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France” and many other European countries. “They expressed not only their support, but his strong desire is for our victory,” he emphasized.
Regarding the progress of the offensive, Netanyahu recalled that in the first phase “massive air strikes” were launched, which was “a severe blow to the enemy.” “We have eliminated many terrorists. However, we are only at the beginning. The war inside the Gaza Strip will be difficult and long. This is our second war of freedom. “This is the mission of my life,” he emphasized.
However, Netanyahu did not take responsibility for the attacks by Hamas on October 7. “When the war is over we will answer all the questions. There has been gross negligence. No stone will be left upon the stone. Now the my mission is to save the country,” he said in response to a question from the press.
