Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday announced plans to revise Israel's Gaza war strategy, amid escalating pressure to secure the release of the remaining hostages and increasing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the enclave after nearly 22 months of conflict. Netanyahu's commitment to updating Israel's Gaza war plan comes ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on the fate of hostages still held in Palestinian territory.
According to France24.com, during a cabinet meeting nearly 22 months into the conflict, Netanyahu informed ministers that he would soon instruct the military on achieving the three war objectives established by Israel. Israel's Channel 12 reported that an official from Netanyahu's office indicated the Prime Minister might expand the offensive to seize the entire Palestinian enclave.
This development follows a plea by hundreds of retired Israeli security chiefs to US President Donald Trump, urging him to persuade Netanyahu to end the ongoing war. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized the need for global action against the kidnapping of civilians, stating it should be a priority at the upcoming UN session in New York.
Since Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, 251 hostages have been taken, with 49 still held in Palestinian territory. The Israeli military reports that 27 of these hostages are dead. The UN session was convened following the release of videos by Palestinian militant groups showing hostages in a weakened state, causing widespread distress in Israel.
Netanyahu has requested the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure food and medical treatment are provided to the Israeli captives. Hamas's armed wing has expressed willingness to allow access to the hostages in exchange for opening aid corridors into Gaza, where UN experts warn of a looming famine. The ICRC has expressed shock at the videos and reiterated its call for access to the hostages.
Netanyahu's administration faces criticism from hostage relatives and advocacy groups, who accuse the government of insufficient efforts to rescue the captives. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group has criticized the government's strategy, warning that expanding the war endangers the hostages' lives.
Efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to mediate a truce have yet to yield results. The conflict, initiated by Hamas's October 2023 attack, has resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to official figures. Israel's campaign in Gaza has led to at least 60,933 fatalities, also primarily civilians, as reported by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
Gaza's civil defense agency reported Israeli attacks on Monday that killed at least 19 Palestinians, including nine individuals waiting for food aid. In Gaza City, Umm Osama Imad mourned a relative killed while attempting to collect aid, expressing despair over the dire situation. In Deir el-Balah, Abdullah Abu Musa lamented the loss of his daughter and her family in an Israeli strike, questioning whether the world would ever acknowledge their plight.