Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended plans for a new military offensive in Gaza, saying Israel &ldquo;has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.&rdquo;
Speaking to foreign media in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said the push would target Hamas&rsquo;s last two strongholds. He denied seeking to occupy Gaza permanently, outlining goals of demilitarisation, Israeli security control, and civilian governance by non-Israeli authorities.
The comments came as Gaza hospitals reported at least 26 Palestinians killed while seeking food or aid, along with seven others in airstrikes. Gaza&rsquo;s Health Ministry said two more children died from malnutrition, bringing the child hunger death toll to 100 since late June. Overall war fatalities in Gaza stand at 61,400, about half women and children.
In Israel, tens of thousands protested Netanyahu&rsquo;s plans, with hostage families warning the offensive could endanger captives. Of 251 abducted in Hamas&rsquo; Oct. 7, 2023, attack, about 50 remain in Gaza, 20 believed alive.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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PM vows to “finish the job” against Hamas as Gaza toll mounts and protests rise in Israel

Netanyahu Defends New Gaza Offensive

PM vows to “finish the job” against Hamas as Gaza toll mounts and protests rise in Israel

August 11, 2025 | 01:40 IST