Netanyahu says 'all of Gaza' will be 'under Israel's control' at the end of current military offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has insisted "all the territories of the Gaza Strip will be under Israel's security control" by the end of its latest ground offensive.
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Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday evening, Netanyahu said Israeli forces have "pounded" Hamas positions across the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu also said Israel is open to a temporary ceasefire and a hostage deal.
He said he is prepared to end the war "under clear conditions that ensure Israel's security," telling journalists in Jerusalem that Operation Gideon's Chariots - the codename for the latest offensive - that those conditions would involve the release of all Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Other conditions are set to include Hamas laying down arms, its leadership being exiled from Gaza and the strip being "completely disarmed."
The Israeli Prime Minister also stressed the need to prevent a humanitarian crisis, and unveiled a three-stage plan to allow aid deliveries into Gaza.
This plan includes the delivery of basic aid items into Gaza, opening food distribution points, and creating a zone to protect civilians after assuming security control of Gaza.
Asked if he would stop aid supplies if they reached Hamas, Netanyahu said Israel "will have control" until food distribution points are established.
Netanyahu also said Israel has hit Iran's aerial defences, but that Iran is still "a major threat to Israel."
He said Israel is hoping to achieve a deal, in coordination with the United States, that will prevent Iran from getting nuclear arms.
Operation Gideon's Chariots was launched by Israel on May 19 and aims to expand "operational control" in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has faced increased international pressure to reach a ceasefire agreement and to re-allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, ending an 11-week blockade of aid.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy yesterday called Israel's recent military escalation of the war in Gaza "morally unjustifiable."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian premier Mark Carney, yesterday called for a halt to Israel’s military offensive and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid.