Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that a decision has been made to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, including military operations in areas where hostages are believed to be being held.
"We are committed to liberating Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists," Netanyahu said in a video address posted on X.
"Many Gazans come to us and say 'Help us liberate ourselves. Help us liberate ourselves from Hamas,' and that's what we're going to do."
The Prime Minister's Office also said in a message to the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir: "If this does not suit you, then you should resign."
Netanyahu and Zamir have been at odds over the way the war in Gaza is being waged, with tensions reaching a peak on Monday, according to a report on Israeli Army Radio.
Netanyahu's announcement comes after months of faltering talks in Qatar between Israel and Hamas, as mediators try to overcome obstacles from both sides and reach a ceasefire and a deal to release hostages, while the humanitarian situation in the Strip worsens.
