Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel is open to a temporary ceasefire and a hostage deal, but the military operation in Gaza will continue until Israel takes full control of the territory.

Netanyahu made this announcement while talking about Operation Gideon’s Chariots, Israel’s new ground campaign in Gaza. He said that the next phase of the war had already been approved three days ago.

“At the end of this campaign, all of the territories of the Gaza Strip will be under Israel’s security control,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also said that Israeli forces have attacked enemy targets in southern Gaza and are facing strong international pressure to stop the fighting, but the government has no plans to stop yet.

He said some of Israel’s strongest allies have shown support by promising weapons and assistance, but have also expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In response to these concerns, Netanyahu said Israel has made a three-step plan with the United States to get basic supplies to people in Gaza.

According to him, the plan includes:

  • Delivering essential food items to avoid a humanitarian crisis.
  • Opening food distribution centres run by American companies, which will be protected by Israeli forces.
  • Setting up a ‘safe zone’ in southern Gaza where people can get full humanitarian help.

Netanyahu also repeated that Iran remains one of Israel’s biggest threats, although he did not give many new details.

You might also be interested in - Jupiter was an even bigger giant billions of years ago: Study