Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the conflict in Gaza will end once Hamas is disarmed and hostages are freed, unveiling a five-point plan for the territory’s future while accusing international media of spreading “Hamas lies.”
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Hamas still has “thousands of armed terrorists” in Gaza who are committed to repeating the 7 October attacks and destroying Israel. He alleged that the group oppresses Gaza’s population, steals aid, and prevents civilians from reaching safe zones.
“Our goal is not to occupy Gaza,” he said. “Our goal is to free Gaza from Hamas terrorists.”
Netanyahu outlined a post-war vision based on five principles: the disarmament of Hamas, the release of all hostages, Gaza’s demilitarisation, Israel’s overriding security control, and the establishment of a non-Israeli civilian administration that does not promote or fund terrorism.
The prime minister said Israeli forces now control 70 to 75 percent of Gaza, with two remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and the central camps. He confirmed that the Israeli Security Cabinet has instructed the military to dismantle these positions while moving civilians to designated safe zones and providing food, water, and medical aid.
Addressing accusations of starvation in Gaza, Netanyahu said Israel has allowed nearly two million tonnes of aid into the territory since the war began, blaming Hamas for looting supplies and the UN for delays in distribution. He presented photographs that he said disproved media claims of famine, accusing outlets such as the New York Times of publishing misleading images.
Netanyahu also said the humanitarian aid system is being expanded through safe corridors, additional distribution points managed by Gazan Humanitarian Foundations, and airdrops coordinated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
On the question of Palestinian statehood, the prime minister dismissed recent moves by several countries to recognise it, calling such steps a “reward for Hamas” and warning they would “bring the next war closer.” He argued the conflict persists because of the “persistent Palestinian refusal to recognise a Jewish state in any boundary.”
Responding to questions on international criticism, Netanyahu acknowledged a “propaganda war” that he said Israel is not currently winning, citing social media disinformation campaigns. He insisted the fastest way to counter this was by ending the conflict decisively and defeating Hamas.
Netanyahu said Israel’s aim was to conclude the campaign quickly, secure the release of the remaining 20 living hostages, and establish a transitional governance structure in Gaza with regional partners. However, he stressed that no civilian authority would be viable unless Hamas was “completely defeated.”
Russia’s fuel shortages are spreading into Central Asia, exposing the region’s heavy reliance on Russian petrol and diesel as governments race to ...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last m...
The Aviators of Ganja explores how young Spanish volunteers travelled to Soviet-era Azerbaijan to train as military pilots before being drawn into the...
Israel's decision to recognise the so-called Armenian genocide has triggered diplomatic tensions with Azerbaijan, one of its closest strategic partners.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 10th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran planned to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump, according to intelligence shared with Washington by Israel, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict was "over", adding he did not want to engage with Tehran, calling the Iranian leadership "sick people".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
This is the last of four articles in AnewZ's series examining how conservationists are working to protect and repair damage done to the Aral Sea which lies between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Temperatures above 40°C are scorching parts of Central Asia, prompting the World Health Organization to warn that extreme heat is becoming an increasing public health threat across the region.
This is the third of four articles in AnewZ's series examining how conservationists are working to protect and repair damage done to the Aral Sea which lies between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered Pakistan's economic growth forecast for FY2027 to 3.7%, down from its April 2026 projection of 4.5%.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Thursday that his recent talks with U.S. President Donald Trump would likely produce a “positive outcome” for Türkiye’s defence sector.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment