Netanyahu Confirms Gaza Military Push, Offers Terms For Ceasefire Deal

Even as negotiations about a possible truce with Hamas under particular conditions continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his government's goal to establish complete military control of the Gaza Strip. His comments were made as the region's humanitarian crisis worsened and conflicts escalated, drawing attention from around the world.

"The fighting is intense, and we are making progress," Netanyahu said in a video message posted on his Telegram channel on Monday. We're going to seize control of the entire Strip. "We will not give up," he added, emphasising the importance of persistent perseverance. However, we must take action that cannot be halted if we want to succeed.

According to India Tv Netanyahu also stated that in order to avoid a full-scale famine, Israel would allow a "basic amount" of food to enter Gaza. He warned that even Israel's supporters would find it difficult to support the nation in the face of "images of mass starvation," saying, "We must not allow the population [of Gaza] to sink into famine, both for practical and diplomatic reasons."

Ceasefire Conditions Under Review

On Sunday, Netanyahu's office released a statement laying out Israel's conditions for a potential ceasefire agreement with Hamas. These include the release of all hostages, the exile of Hamas leadership, and the complete disarmament of the Gaza Strip.

"The negotiating team in Doha is currently working to explore every possible avenue for an agreement-whether under the Witkoff framework or as part of a broader end to the conflict, which would entail the return of all hostages, the removal of Hamas militants from Gaza, and the strip's demilitarization," the statement read.

The proposal being considered reportedly originates from Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East. According to Israel's Channel 12, the Witkoff plan envisions the release of most or all hostages, a halt to hostilities, and the removal of Hamas from governance in Gaza.

In a possible sign of progress, Netanyahu has instructed Israeli negotiators to remain in Qatar. An Israeli official described this decision on Saturday as a tentative indication that a breakthrough might be achievable.

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

As ceasefire discussions continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating. Overnight Israeli airstrikes on Sunday reportedly resulted in more than 100 fatalities and forced the closure of the region's primary hospital.

Aid organizations, including the Red Cross, have issued warnings that Gaza's humanitarian infrastructure is on the brink of total collapse. Israel's ongoing blockade, now extending beyond two months, has critically limited access to essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel.

In the meantime, Israel has begun a new military operation called "Gideon's Chariots," which aims to increase its territory, drive people farther south, and strengthen its hold on the provision of humanitarian goods.

While reaffirming his backing for Israel's stance, President Donald Trump has also recognised the seriousness of the humanitarian situation. "Many people in Gaza are going hungry," he said, stressing that the US must keep helping both sides defuse the situation.