Netanyahu Defends Planned Military Offensive in Gaza

Lashes Out at 'Global Campaign of Lies'

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JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday sought to defend a new military offensive in one of Gaza's most populated areas amid growing condemnation at home and abroad, declaring that Israel "has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas".

He spoke to foreign media minutes before an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Gaza. Notably, Netanyahu said he has directed Israel's military in recent days to "bring in more foreign journalists"—which would be a striking development, as they haven't been allowed into Gaza beyond military embeds during 22 months of war.

"Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza," Netanyahu asserted. He also pushed back against what he called a "global campaign of lies" and said Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, one of Israel's strongest backers, had "buckled under" by announcing that Germany won't authorize exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza until further notice.