Reuters reported that the Israeli Defense Forces are pushing much deeper into the Gaza Strip, a move described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message. The image conveyed is one of a determined campaign, with the prime minister outlining that the military measures have reached significant depth inside the enclave.
Netanyahu emphasized that the goal remains the achievement of complete victory against Hamas, the Palestinian radical movement that controls parts of Gaza. He framed the battle as essential for the security of Israel and for ending the threat perceived by the Israeli government and its people.
In the same remarks, the Prime Minister stressed that the Israeli army has paid a heavy price in the course of this operation, underscoring the human cost involved in pursuing the campaign. The focus remained squarely on safeguarding the lives of Israeli soldiers as the operation continues.
Earlier briefings from the Israeli army indicated there were attacks on about 200 targets within Gaza over the past 24 hours, illustrating the intensity and scale of the ongoing operations on multiple fronts. The military said these strikes targeted a range of sites in the territory during that period.
On December 7, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett voiced sharp criticism of efforts to increase fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip. He argued that providing additional fuel during the conflict would prevent humanitarian crises and epidemics, but he described refueling Gaza as something that could be seen as injecting energy into Hamas, a move he characterized as a serious mistake for the war effort.
Additionally, a former UN Secretary General warned about the looming risk of disorder and the potential destruction of public order in Gaza, highlighting concerns about humanitarian conditions and stability in the region as the conflict evolves. The statements reflect a broad spectrum of opinions about how best to manage aid, security, and the humanitarian situation amid ongoing hostilities.