The prime minister of Israel, gave his first press conference on Wednesday, May 21, in the midst of international reactions, his first press conference on the Gaza Strip and his operation against Hamas.
Netanyahu revealed that there are 20 confirmed living hostages in Gaza, while 38 hostages have been murdered. At the same time, he said that Israel is ready to agree on a “temporary truce” in the aim of liberating hostages, promising that “we will bring them all back”.
The Israeli prime minister stressed that Israel has a “very organized” plan to achieve its war goals, which are Hamas’ defeat, the liberation of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza will not be a threat to Israel.
“The entire Gaza Strip will be under the control of the Israeli army” after the completion of the operation that began on Saturday, Netanyahu assured. He said Israel has a very well organized plan to achieve the goals of the Gaza war:
“To defeat Hamas, who committed the atrocities of October 7, 2023, to bring back all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza is not a threat to Israel again.”
He emphasized that these goals are complementary and must be fully achieved.
In addition, he confirmed that Hamas’s military leader Muhammed Sinuar was “probably killed” in an Israeli air raid.
On May 13, at least 28 people were killed due to Israeli bumps near a hospital in Han Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Armed Forces (IDF) confirmed the blows to the site. According to information reported by Israeli media, this operation aims to exterminate Mohammed Sinuar – brother of Hamas’s murdered leader, Yama Sinuar – who is allegedly taking over the reins of the military arm.
However, his death has not been confirmed so far either by Israel or by Hamas.
Netanyahu also said that Israeli defense forces would control the entire Gaza Strip at the end of the business, while trying to avoid a humanitarian crisis in order to maintain their freedom of action.
Gaza situation and reactions
The Israeli prime minister stressed that the war has “a purpose that is clear and justified”, referring to the atrocities of October 7 committed by Hamas.
Despite the international pressures and the humanitarian crisis caused by the Palestinian enclave, Israel’s military operation in Gaza continues with tension. Gaza is facing serious deficiencies in food and basic goods, while Israel allows only a limited amount of procurement to enter, trying to avoid the complete humanitarian collapse that could endanger the business.
Within Israel, criticism of Netanyahu’s government are growing. Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert described current operations in Gaza as “very close to a war crime” and the war “without purpose”, pointing out the major casualties of civilians and soldiers.
Netanyahu statements highlight Israel’s determination to continue the war until the full defeat of Hamas and the recovery of control in Gaza, while at the same time leaving the possibility of a temporary ceasefire to release hostages. The situation remains extremely tense, with increasing international concern about the humanitarian crisis and internal reactions within Israel to Gaza Political Netanyahu.
