By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday, August 5, declared that Israel must “complete the defeat” of Hamas in Gaza to secure the release of remaining hostages, just days before a scheduled cabinet meeting to discuss an updated strategy for the ongoing conflict.
His remarks come amid mounting outrage in Israel following the release of new footage showing emaciated hostages, which has reignited pressure on the government.
Meanwhile, UN experts have raised fresh alarms over an escalating famine among Palestinians in the war-torn enclave.
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu is weighing the option of a full occupation of Gaza, despite intensifying international calls for an end to the war. A senior UN official warned that expanding the offensive could lead to “catastrophic consequences.”
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Netanyahu’s office confirmed he held a three-hour security meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, though no new war directives were made public.
The Israeli security cabinet is expected to meet later this week to finalize the next phase of the military campaign.
Public broadcaster Kan reported that Netanyahu has “decided to extend the fight” to areas suspected of housing hostages.
However, other outlets, including Channel 12, have speculated that the rumoured escalation may serve more as a negotiating tactic than an actual operational plan.
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