Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his controversial plan to occupy Gaza City, insisting that Israel must "finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas." His remarks come amid growing international condemnation and warnings from the United Nations of a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
In a rare press conference, Netanyahu denied that Gaza is facing starvation, calling the reports a “global campaign of lies,” despite widespread evidence of severe food shortages, forced displacement, and escalating civilian casualties.
During the weekend, Israeli forces reportedly killed five Al Jazeera journalists in what the news outlet described as a “targeted assassination” and “a premeditated attack on press freedom.” The journalists were covering the conflict from Gaza City near the Al-Shifa Medical Complex.
The incident sparked further international outrage and calls for accountability. Al Jazeera stated the strike was an intentional effort to silence remaining on-the-ground voices reporting from Gaza. Israel’s military claimed journalist Anas al-Sharif had been posing as a reporter and confirmed it had targeted him.
UN and Global Reaction
At an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on Sunday, several global powers, including the UK, Russia, China, and France, condemned Netanyahu’s proposed occupation of Gaza, warning it would likely constitute a violation of international law and worsen the humanitarian crisis.
“If implemented, these plans will likely result in another calamity, compounding the existing devastation,” said Miroslav Jenča, UN Assistant Secretary-General. The UN also confirmed that starvation is now widespread in Gaza, with at least 100 children and 117 adults reported to have died from malnutrition-related causes.
Ramesh Rajasingham from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the crisis had surpassed the warning stage: “This is no longer a looming crisis — this is starvation, pure and simple.”
Civilian Toll Rises
On Sunday, at least 31 Palestinians were reportedly killed while attempting to access humanitarian aid. Witnesses allege Israeli forces opened fire in several areas, including the Morag and Netzarim corridors and near distribution sites in Khan Younis and Rafah. The Israeli military and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) denied involvement, claiming no incidents occurred near their facilities.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reported the deaths of two more children from malnutrition over the weekend, bringing the total child hunger death toll to 100 since the war began.
International Shifts
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that the country is considering formal recognition of a Palestinian state, saying, “It is a matter of when, not if.” A cabinet decision is expected in September.
In a similar move, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Australia will recognize the State of Palestine. The formal announcement is expected at the United Nations General Assembly next month. Albanese stated the decision was contingent on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including the exclusion of Hamas from governance, demilitarization of Gaza, and holding democratic elections.
Netanyahu’s Response
In his remarks, Netanyahu doubled down on the military plan, stating, “Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza.” He emphasized that Israel’s objectives include demilitarization, ensuring Israeli security control, and installing a non-Israeli civilian administration.
He also disclosed that he had authorized the Israeli military to allow more foreign journalists into Gaza — a notable policy shift, as media access has largely been restricted throughout the conflict.
Netanyahu also held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend to discuss Israel’s strategy. Trump reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and backed the plan to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages.
At the UN, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea defended Israel’s actions, blaming the continuation of the war on Hamas and denouncing genocide accusations against Israel as “politically motivated and categorically false.”
Conclusion
As Israel presses forward with its military objectives, global criticism continues to mount. With civilian casualties rising, press freedoms under threat, and international divisions deepening, Netanyahu’s Gaza policy risks further isolating Israel on the world stage while exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
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