Netanyahu Lists 5 Principles To End Gaza War, Slams ‘Global Campaign Of Lies

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised on Sunday that Israel's mission in Gaza is to liberate it from Hamas, not to occupy it long-term. He spoke to the media before an emergency UN Security Council meeting. "Gazans are begging us and begging the world to be freed from Hamas," Netanyahu stated, labelling the group as a "genocidal organisation" focused on Israel's destruction.

Netanyahu outlined that the war could end if Hamas released all hostages and laid down its arms. He accused the group of still having "thousands of armed terrorists" in Gaza and said Israel's military plans are aimed at dismantling this threat.

Security Measures and Humanitarian Efforts

The Israeli leader detailed his vision for postwar Gaza, which includes demilitarisation and Israel maintaining security control. A buffer zone will be established along the border to prevent future attacks. Gaza will have a civilian administration dedicated to peaceful coexistence with Israel. "That's our plan for the day after Hamas," he explained.

Netanyahu also addressed accusations regarding Israel's actions in Gaza City, criticising what he called a "global campaign of lies." He denied claims that Israel is deliberately starving Gaza's population, calling them "baseless." According to him, if there were a starvation policy, no one would have survived two years of conflict.

Principles for Ending Conflict

The prime minister laid out five principles for concluding the war: disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarising the Gaza Strip, ensuring Israel has overriding security control, and establishing an alternative civil administration not linked to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. "That's our plan," Netanyahu affirmed.

He highlighted humanitarian efforts by noting that hundreds of trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies have entered Gaza. Civilians are being directed to safe zones away from combat areas. "We will ensure the civilian population can leave combat areas safely," he assured.

International Concerns and Communication Efforts

Netanyahu mentioned that millions of text messages and phone calls have been made to warn residents about evacuating dangerous zones. His comments come as the UN Security Council is set to discuss Israel's plan to expand its military presence in Gaza amid ongoing international concerns over humanitarian issues.