ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will maintain full military control over the Gaza Strip following the ongoing military offensive, marking a sharp escalation in rhetoric and policy direction that has triggered widespread criticism at home and abroad.
Netanyahu Sets Uncompromising Terms
Speaking at his first press conference since December, Netanyahu outlined what he described as necessary preconditions for ending the conflict in Gaza. These include the “unconditional release” of all hostages, the complete disarmament of Hamas, the exile of its leadership, and permanent Israeli security oversight across the territory.
“This war will end when we achieve total victory — not a moment before,” Netanyahu stated. “Israel will retain security control over all of Gaza.”
In a notable shift, he also referenced a U.S.-backed proposal originally introduced by former President Donald Trump, suggesting Gaza could be transformed into an international tourism and investment zone—dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East”—under foreign administration. Critics have labelled the idea as a veiled attempt at demographic restructuring.
Intensified Bombardment and Humanitarian Alarm
The announcement comes amid continued Israeli air and ground strikes across Gaza. Palestinian health authorities reported at least 82 deaths on Wednesday alone, with hundreds more casualties recorded in recent days. The offensive proceeds despite escalating concern from humanitarian agencies over widespread starvation and deteriorating living conditions for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
A UN-backed food security report recently warned that over 93% of children in Gaza—about 930,000—are on the brink of famine. While Israel permitted a limited convoy of 100 aid trucks carrying flour, baby formula, and medical supplies through the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday, UN officials confirmed that logistical bottlenecks inside Gaza have left most civilians without access to the aid.
“The limited supplies finally being allowed to enter are nowhere near enough to meet the needs in Gaza, which are vast and urgent,” said UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Doctors Without Borders and other humanitarian organisations have criticized the deliveries as symbolic rather than substantive. “This is not a genuine humanitarian gesture,” said Pascale Coissard, the group’s emergency coordinator in Khan Younis. “It’s an effort to avoid accusations of deliberate starvation.”
Domestic Political Fallout
Netanyahu’s remarks ignited a fierce response from opposition parties in Israel, many of whom accuse the prime minister of pursuing an unsustainable strategy that risks long-term occupation and diplomatic isolation.
“His words today mean occupation of Gaza for years and daily casualties among our soldiers,” said opposition leader Yair Lapid, warning of a blowback that could damage Israel’s international standing and economic security.
Yair Golan, leader of the centre-left Democrats, was more direct: “I saw a presentation by a pressured, obsessed, lying man who takes no responsibility for anything.” Golan also announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit against Netanyahu over remarks made during the press conference.
The two leaders clashed earlier in the week when Golan accused the government of inhumane conduct, stating, “a sane country … does not kill babies as a hobby.” Netanyahu dismissed the comment as “appalling.”
Global Concern Over Gaza Strategy
International human rights groups and foreign governments have raised alarm over the proposed long-term military presence and the revival of proposals that could lead to forced displacement. Critics argue such measures may violate international law and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
Observers caution that the current trajectory may fuel further instability in the region while undermining prospects for a sustainable peace settlement.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, pressure is mounting on all parties to pursue a ceasefire and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. However, Netanyahu’s insistence on total control and sweeping demands has cast doubt on the possibility of a negotiated resolution in the near term.
