Netanyahu says Israel has ‘no choice’ but to continue fighting in Gaza

Israel has escalated its military campaign in Gaza, citing continued threats from Hamas and the presence of remaining hostages. 

According to reports, Israeli leadership maintains that dismantling Hamas’ infrastructure and securing the release of all captives remain key objectives of the ongoing operations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly reiterated on Saturday that Israel has “no choice” but to continue its military campaign in Gaza until Hamas is dismantled, the remaining hostages are freed, and the territory no longer poses a threat to Israel.

This intensification comes as domestic opposition within Israel grows. Families of hostages, along with army reservists and veterans, have increasingly questioned the necessity and duration of the conflict especially following the collapse of a recent ceasefire agreement.

Reports indicate that the most recent Israeli proposal, which allegedly offered the release of half the remaining hostages in exchange for a truce, was rejected by Hamas.

Over the last two days, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 90 fatalities in Gaza, according to figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry. 

Among the victims were multiple women and children. In Khan Younis, 11 civilians reportedly lost their lives, including some who were sheltering in tents located in the Muwasi area – a zone previously designated by Israeli authorities as a humanitarian refuge. Additional casualties were recorded in Rafah and near the central Gaza area of Nuseirat.

While the Israeli military has stated that more than 40 Hamas fighters were killed over the weekend, the ongoing conflict also claimed the life of an Israeli soldier – the first military casualty since hostilities resumed on March 18. Hamas’ armed faction, known as the Qassam Brigades, has claimed responsibility for the ambush that resulted in the soldier's death in Gaza City’s al-Tuffah district.

In parallel with the military campaign, Israel has reportedly announced intentions to maintain permanent security buffer zones within Gaza. These developments are taking place as humanitarian conditions in the territory deteriorate. A blockade imposed over the past six weeks has significantly restricted the entry of essential supplies, including food and medical aid.

Humanitarian organisations and United Nations agencies have issued stark warnings, reporting widespread malnutrition among children and extreme food scarcity for the general population. Most residents are reportedly subsisting on less than one meal per day. Calls for urgent humanitarian access have intensified, with international observers urging Israel and its allies, including the United States, to ease restrictions and facilitate aid deliveries.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)