Israel has articulated a strategic objective that does not include occupying the Gaza Strip or forcing the displacement of civilians once the current hostilities subside. This stance was reiterated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in statements reported by TASS, underscoring that the aim is not to alter the living patterns of Gaza’s residents but to address security threats linked to militant groups in the area.
Netanyahu stressed that the Israeli defense forces are engaged in combating Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian people as a whole, and that Israel acts in full accordance with international law. He emphasized that the overarching objective is to remove Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip and to facilitate the release of hostages taken during the conflict, framing the operation as a narrow military objective rather than a population-wide campaign.
According to the prime minister, civilian harm is a major concern for the Israeli military, which has reportedly sought to minimize casualties among residents of Gaza. He charged that Hamas has accelerated harm to Palestinians by using them as shields, thereby complicating efforts to protect noncombatants and to uphold humanitarian norms amid the fighting.
Netanyahu also noted that the Israeli defense forces had issued calls and leaflets urging Gaza residents to move away from danger zones and battle sites, offering assurances of security to those who comply. He contrasted this with claims that Hamas obstructs such movement and cooperation, thereby preventing Gaza civilians from seeking safety away from combat zones.
There were reports indicating that the United States was engaging in confidential discussions with Qatar concerning efforts to resolve the hostage situation in Gaza, suggesting a broader international dimension to the negotiations surrounding the conflict and potential future steps for humanitarian releases.
Commentary from former Israeli military leadership raised questions about the anticipated duration of the Gaza confrontation, reflecting ongoing debates about timeline, strategy, and the implications for regional stability and civilian protection as the situation evolves.