The IDF has renewed its attacks on remaining intact urban areas despite international criticism
Israel will take all of Gaza even if Hamas agrees to a hostage deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.
The Israeli leader made the remarks after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the first stage of an operation to seize Gaza City in the northern part of the densely populated Palestinian enclave, which it described as a Hamas stronghold.
Speaking to Sky News Australia on Thursday, Netanyahu said the goal of expelling Hamas remains unchanged. βWeβre gonna do that anyway. There was never a question that weβre not going to leave Hamas there,β he said.
He cited the support of US President Donald Trump, who said earlier this month that Hamas βcanβt stayβ in Gaza. βI think President Trump put it best, he says Hamas has to disappear from Gaza. Itβs like leaving the SS in Germany. You know, you clear out most of Germany, but you leave out Berlin with the SS and the Nazi core there,βNetanyahu said.
#BREAKING #Gaza JUST IN: The United Nations has declared a state of catastrophic hunger in the Gaza Strip for the first time. pic.twitter.com/vOaEy5QQ7z
— The National Independent (@NationalIndNews) August 22, 2025
