Israeli PM says to brief army on Gaza war plan
Addressing a cabinet meeting with the war well into its 22nd month, the Israeli leader told ministers that later in the week he would instruct the military on how "to achieve the three war objectives we have set".
Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 and the Jerusalem Post newspaper quoted officials in Netanyahu's office saying that the "updated strategy" would be to re-occupy all of Gaza, including areas in Gaza City where the military believes hostages are being held.
The cabinet would meet on Tuesday to endorse the plan, the reports said.
There was no immediate official confirmation, but the Palestinian Authority's foreign ministry denounced what it called a "leaked" plan and urged the international community to intervene to quash any new military occupation.
Netanyahu is facing mounting domestic and international pressure to bring the remaining hostages in Gaza home and allow much more aid into the starving territory.
Israel - backed by the United States and Panama - is preparing to convene a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday to highlight the fate of the hostages.
Netanyahu on Monday reiterated that Israel's three war goals remained "the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages and the promise that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel".
His statement came after hundreds of retired Israeli security chiefs wrote to US President Donald Trump to urge him to convince Netanyahu to end the war.
'IMMEDIATE MORTAL DANGER'
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said ahead of the UN meeting that "the world must put an end to the phenomenon of kidnapping civilians. It must be front and centre on the world stage".
Of the 251 hostages seized during Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.
The UN session was called after Palestinian militant groups last week published three videos showing hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David appearing weak and emaciated, causing shock and distress in Israel.
Netanyahu said he had asked the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide food and medical treatment to the Israeli captives.
Hamas's armed wing said it was willing to allow access to the hostages in exchange for opening aid corridors into all of Gaza, where UN-mandated experts have warned famine is unfolding.
Netanyahu's government has faced repeated accusations by relatives of hostages and other critics that it has not done enough to rescue the captives.
"Netanyahu is leading Israel and the hostages to ruin," said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group.
"For 22 months, the public has been sold the illusion that military pressure and intense fighting will bring the hostages back.
"The truth must be said: expanding the war endangers the lives of the hostages, who are already in immediate mortal danger."
'ONLY THROUGH A DEAL'
Mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt and the United States have failed to secure a truce.
Hundreds of retired Israeli security officials including former heads of intelligence agencies have urged US President Donald Trump to pressure their own government to end the war.
"It is our professional judgement that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel," the former officials wrote in an open letter shared with the media on Monday.
The war "is leading the State of Israel to lose its security and identity", said Ami Ayalon, former director of the Shin Bet security service, in a video released to accompany the letter.
The letter argued that the Israeli military "has long accomplished the two objectives that could be achieved by force: dismantling Hamas's military formations and governance".
"The third, and most important, can only be achieved through a deal: bringing all the hostages home," it added.
'WE ARE STARVING'
The October 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally of official figures.
Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed at least 60,933 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which are deemed reliable by the UN.
Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli fire on Monday killed at least 19 Palestinians, including nine who were waiting to collect food aid from a site in central Gaza.
In Gaza City, Umm Osama Imad was mourning a relative she said was killed while trying to reach an aid distribution point.
"We are starving... He went to bring flour for his family," she said. "The flour is stained with blood. We don't want the flour any more. Enough!"
UN rights chief Volker Turk on Monday said "the images of people starving in Gaza are heart-rending and intolerable. That we have reached this stage is an affront to our collective humanity."
He called on Israel to urgently allow aid into the territory, adding that denying it "may amount to a war crime".
He also described the videos of hostages as "shocking", calling for the ICRC to be allowed immediate access to them.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
12 hours ago
- eNCA
G20 South Africa 2025: A Defining Moment for the Nation and the Continent
South Africa is preparing to welcome the world in 2025 as it assumes (South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 2025) the presidency and hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, a moment of national pride and continental significance. This milestone places South Africa, and by extension Africa, at the centre of global dialogue on economic growth, sustainable development, climate resilience, digital transformation, and multilateral cooperation. In the words of South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, South Africa's goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations. The Group of Twenty, commonly known as the G20, is the world's premier forum for economic cooperation. Representing more than 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the planet's population, the G20 convenes the most powerful economies to address pressing global challenges. As the only African founding member of the G20, South Africa's presidency could not be more timely or symbolic. At a time when the world is redefining recovery and resilience in the wake of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate disasters, South Africa brings a grounded, inclusive voice to the table, one that reflects the aspirations of the Global South and the urgent developmental needs of the African continent. The G20 countries' ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development. Under the banner of 'inclusive growth for a just world,' South Africa's leadership is expected to spotlight issues such as financing for sustainable infrastructure, the global energy transition, youth employment, food security, digital inclusion, and equitable access to global markets. These are not only global concerns, but they are also everyday realities for millions across Africa. The Summit will attract heads of state, finance ministers, central bank governors, and global institutions like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Beyond political leadership, the G20 also engages civil society, youth, women, labour, business, and think tanks through structured engagement groups—offering platforms for a wider range of voices to shape global policy. Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for South Africa to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind.' – President Cyril Ramaphosa. For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advSouth Africa is preparing to welcome the world in 2025 as it assumes (South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 2025) the presidency and hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, a moment of national pride and continental significance. This milestone places South Africa, and by extension Africa, at the centre of global dialogue on economic growth, sustainable development, climate resilience, digital transformation, and multilateral cooperation. In the words of South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, South Africa's goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations. The Group of Twenty, commonly known as the G20, is the world's premier forum for economic cooperation. Representing more than 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the planet's population, the G20 convenes the most powerful economies to address pressing global challenges. As the only African founding member of the G20, South Africa's presidency could not be more timely or symbolic. At a time when the world is redefining recovery and resilience in the wake of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate disasters, South Africa brings a grounded, inclusive voice to the table, one that reflects the aspirations of the Global South and the urgent developmental needs of the African continent. The G20 countries' ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development. Under the banner of 'inclusive growth for a just world,' South Africa's leadership is expected to spotlight issues such as financing for sustainable infrastructure, the global energy transition, youth employment, food security, digital inclusion, and equitable access to global markets. These are not only global concerns, but they are also everyday realities for millions across Africa. The Summit will attract heads of state, finance ministers, central bank governors, and global institutions like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Beyond political leadership, the G20 also engages civil society, youth, women, labour, business, and think tanks through structured engagement groups—offering platforms for a wider range of voices to shape global policy. Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for South Africa to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind.' – President Cyril Ramaphosa. For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce South Africa's commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on South Africa not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for South Africa to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe. Stay updated by visiting or follow #G20SouthAfrica2025 for news, opportunities, and ways to engage. ance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce South Africa's commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on South Africa not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for South Africa to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe.
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
Israel poised to order new Gaza war plan
Reports suggest Netanyahu will order full military control of Gaza, despite global outcry and calls for a ceasefire. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared Tuesday to unveil an updated Gaza war plan designed to destroy Hamas and secure the release of dozens of hostages, with Israeli media reporting he would order the total occupation of the Palestinian territory. Netanyahu was expected to meet security chiefs in Jerusalem on Tuesday to discuss new orders, local media reported, even as Israel's diplomats convened a UN Security Council meeting in New York to highlight the plight of Israelis held in Gaza. The timing of the security meeting has not been officially confirmed. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 said Netanyahu would meet the army chief of staff and the defence and army ministers. Unnamed senior officials told Israeli media he intends to order the re-occupation of Gaza. 'Netanyahu wants the Israeli army to conquer the entire Gaza Strip,' said a report on public broadcaster Kan. Netanyahu also said Monday he would convene the cabinet later in the week to approve the new instructions. ALSO READ: Israel urges global focus on Gaza hostages 'Several cabinet members who spoke with the prime minister confirmed that he has decided to extend the fight to areas where hostages might be held,' Kan reported. The private daily Maariv declared: 'The die is cast. We're en route for the total conquest of Gaza.' However, some major media outlets such as Channel 12 have questioned whether the rumoured expansion of military operations is merely a negotiating tactic, and whether Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir would oppose such a decision. 'The Chief of Staff is required to express his professional opinion clearly and unequivocally to the political leadership. I am convinced that he will do so,' Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X. While the reconquest plan has not been officially confirmed, it has already drawn an angry response from the Palestinian Authority and Gaza's Hamas-run government, which insisted it will not shift its position on ceasefire talks. 'The ball is in the hands of… (Israel) and the Americans,' senior Hamas official Husam Badran told AFP, adding that the militant group wanted to 'end the war and the famine'. ALSO READ: Chaos, gangs, gunfire: Gaza aid fails to reach most needy Desperate families After 22 months of combat sparked by the October 7, 2023 cross-border attacks by Hamas that killed 1,219 people and saw hundreds kidnapped, the Israeli army has devastated large parts of the Palestinian territory. More than 60,933 Palestinians have been killed, according to figures from Hams-run Gaza's health ministry, and humanitarian agencies have warned that the territory's 2.4 million people are slipping into a catastrophic famine. But Netanyahu is under pressure on several fronts. Domestically, the desperate and vocal families of the 49 remaining hostages are demanding a ceasefire to bring their loved ones home. Around the world, humanitarians are pushing for a truce to allow in food to the starving, and several European capitals have announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, despite fierce US and Israeli opposition. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's far-right allies in his ruling coalition want to seize the opportunity of the war to reoccupy Gaza and tighten control of the occupied West Bank. ALSO READ: SA pushes for two-state solution in Palestine: 'Peace must prevail,' says Lamola [VIDEO] Foreign Minister Saar was in New York, where Israel's US ally was helping organise a Security Council meeting to focus world attention on the fate of the hostages. The defence ministry civil affairs agency for the Palestinian territories, COGAT, said Tuesday that Israel will partially reopen private sector trade with Gaza to reduce its reliance on UN and aid agency convoys and international military airdrops. 'As part of formulating the mechanism, a limited number of local merchants were approved by the defence establishment, subject to several criteria and strict security screening,' COGAT said. Israel has been fighting Hamas in Gaza for 22 months and imposed a total blockade on March 2, partially lifted in May to allow a US-backed private agency to open food distribution centres. Aid convoys and airdrops by Arab and European militaries resumed last month, as UN-mandated expert reports warned famine was unfolding in the war-torn territory. The COGAT statement said private sector deliveries would be paid for by monitored bank transfers and be subject to inspections by the Israeli military before entering Gaza, 'to prevent the involvement of the Hamas terrorist organisation.' ALSO READ: Trump contradicts Netanyahu, Palestinians in Gaza facing 'real starvation' [VIDEO] Staple foods Permitted goods under the new mechanism will include food staples, fruit, vegetables, baby formula and hygiene products, COGAT said. On Monday. Netanyahu insisted Israel's war goals remained 'the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages and the promise that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel'. His statement came after hundreds of retired Israeli security chiefs wrote to US President Donald Trump to urge him to convince Netanyahu to end the war, arguing that Israel has already scored a military victory and should seek to negotiate the hostages' release. The families of the hostages are also horrified by talk of escalation, accusing the government of putting their relatives in renewed danger, even as Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad release propaganda videos showing emaciated captives. – By: © Agence France-Presse
IOL News
15 hours ago
- IOL News
Israel poised to order new Gaza war plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to meet security chiefs in Jerusalem to issue new orders, even as Israel's diplomats convened a UN Security Council meeting in New York to highlight the plight of Israelis held in Gaza. Image: Sputnik Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared Tuesday to unveil an updated Gaza war plan designed to destroy Hamas and secure the release of dozens of hostages, with Israeli media reporting he would order the total occupation of the Palestinian territory. Netanyahu was expected to meet security chiefs in Jerusalem to issue new orders, even as Israel's diplomats convened a UN Security Council meeting in New York to highlight the plight of Israelis held in Gaza. The timing of the security meeting has not been officially confirmed. Netanyahu said Monday that it would be "in the coming days". Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 said Netanyahu would meet the army chief of staff, and the defence and army ministers. Unnamed senior officials told Israeli media he intends to order the re-occupation of Gaza. "Netanyahu wants the Israeli army to conquer the entire Gaza Strip," said a report on public broadcaster Kan. "Several cabinet members who spoke with the prime minister confirmed that he has decided to extend the fight to areas where hostages might be held." The private daily Maariv declared: "The die is cast. We're en route for the total conquest of Gaza." While the reconquest plan has not been officially confirmed, it has already drawn an angry response from the Palestinian Authority and Gaza's Hamas-run government, which insisted it will not shift its position on ceasefire talks. "We want to reach an agreement that ends the war. The ball is now in the hands of Israel and the Americans, who support Israeli positions and delay the conclusion of an agreement," senior Hamas official Husam Badran told broadcaster Al Jazeera. Desperate families After 22 months of combat sparked by the October 7, 2023 cross-border attacks by Hamas that killed 1,219 people and saw hundreds kidnapped, the Israeli army has devastated large parts of the Palestinian territory. More than 60,933 Palestinians have been killed, according to figures from Hams-run Gaza's health ministry, and humanitarian agencies have warned that the territory's 2.4 million people are slipping into a catastrophic famine. But Netanyahu is under pressure on several fronts. Domestically, the desperate and vocal families of the 49 remaining hostages are demanding a ceasefire to bring their loved ones home. Around the world, humanitarians are pushing for a truce to allow in food to the starving, and several European capitals have announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, despite fierce US and Israeli opposition. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's far-right allies in his ruling coalition want to seize the opportunity of the war to reoccupy Gaza and tighten control of the occupied West Bank. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar was in New York, where Israel's US ally was helping organise a Security Council meeting to focus world attention on the fate of the hostages rather than the looming famine -- which Israeli spokespeople insist is an exaggerated threat. The defence ministry civil affairs agency for the Palestinian territories, COGAT, said Tuesday that Israel will partially reopen private sector trade with Gaza to reduce its reliance on UN and aid agency convoys and international military airdrops. "As part of formulating the mechanism, a limited number of local merchants were approved by the defence establishment, subject to several criteria and strict security screening," COGAT said. Israel has been fighting Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza for 22 months and imposed a total blockade on March 2, partially lifted in May to allow a US-backed private agency to open food distribution centres. Aid convoys and airdrops by Arab and European militaries resumed last month, as UN-mandated expert reports warned famine was unfolding in the war-torn territory. The COGAT statement said private sector deliveries would be paid for by monitored bank transfers and be subject to inspections by the Israeli military before entering Gaza, "to prevent the involvement of the Hamas terrorist organisation."
