Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on social media on the 8th that Israel will not occupy Gaza, but aims to liberate the area from Hamas.
He emphasized that Gaza must be demilitarized and a peaceful civil government must be established there—one that is not the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, nor any other terrorist organization.
He pointed out that this strategy will help secure the release of hostages and ensure that Gaza does not pose a future threat to Israel.
Netanyahu expressed disappointment at German Chancellor Merz's suspension of military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, stating that Germany is rewarding Hamas rather than supporting Israel’s war against Hamas.
Netanyahu had previously proposed a total occupation of Gaza, but it was not approved by the Security Cabinet. After intense debate within the Israeli government, particularly between the military and the government, the Security Cabinet approved a plan for the Israeli military to take over northern Gaza and Gaza City.
However, the plan drew opposition from many countries.
Guterres 'Deeply Shocked' by Israel's Decision to Take Over Gaza City
On the 8th, UN Secretary-General Guterres’s Deputy Spokesperson Tremblay issued a statement saying that Guterres is 'deeply shocked' by the Israeli government's decision to take over Gaza City. This decision marks a 'dangerous escalation' and could worsen the already catastrophic conditions for millions of Palestinians while endangering more lives.
The statement said that Palestinians in Gaza are still suffering from a terrible humanitarian disaster. Guterres warned that further escalation would force more people into displacement, cause more killings and massive destruction, and increase the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
The statement noted that Guterres once again urgently calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Guterres strongly urged the Israeli government once again to fulfill its obligations under international law. He pointed out that, according to the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on July 19, 2024, Israel is obligated to immediately halt all new settlement activities, withdraw all settlers from occupied Palestinian territories, and end its illegal presence in those territories as soon as possible.
The statement stressed that without ending this illegal occupation and implementing a two-state solution, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be sustainably resolved. Gaza 'is and must continue to be an inseparable part of the State of Palestine.'