Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for Israel to “take control” of all of Gaza as the military intensifies its operations in the war-torn region. Following the Israeli government’s decision to allow limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered a distressing message regarding the humanitarian crisis, warning that “two million people are starving.”
The Israeli military has called for the evacuation of residents in Khan Yunis and nearby areas, describing an impending “unprecedented attack.” In conjunction with this call, the military has reported the launch of “extensive ground operations” in an expanded offensive against Hamas, following airstrikes that reportedly killed at least 22 individuals on Monday alone.
“The fighting is intense and we are making progress. We will take control of all the territory of the Strip,” Netanyahu stated in a video posted on Telegram. The prime minister emphasized the importance of decisive action to achieve their objectives, declaring that they “will not give up” in their quest for control.
As pressure mounts on Israel to lift a blockade imposed on Gaza for over two months, including from the United States, Netanyahu expressed the need to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. “We must not let the population of Gaza sink into famine,” he remarked, stressing that even Israel’s allies would not tolerate “images of mass starvation.”
The blockade, initiated on March 2, was aimed at compelling concessions from Hamas. In stark contrast, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, mentioning that “tonnes of food is blocked at the border” despite “two million people [starving].” He warned that the risk of famine is escalating due to the intentional withholding of humanitarian aid.
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the humanitarian crisis, stating, “a lot of people are starving,” and committed to addressing the issue. However, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposed the resumption of aid, arguing that hostages in Israel should not be similarly neglected. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defended the limited aid allowance, asserting it was crucial for civilian survival and maintaining diplomatic support.
In intensified military actions, the Israeli military reported striking “160 terror targets” in Gaza within a 24-hour period. Heavy airstrikes were concentrated around Khan Yunis, leading to numerous casualties, including 11 fatalities reported by civil defense agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal.
Eyewitness accounts from Khan Yunis depict harrowing scenes. Mohammed Sarhan, a resident, recounted the chaos: “It felt like the apocalypse,” referencing the relentless gunfire and aerial bombardments. In another part of the region, Ayman Badwan grieved the loss of his brother, stating, “We can’t take it anymore. Words fail to describe what we’re going through.” He added, “Enough is enough. A solution must be found, and the world must intervene.”
The ongoing conflict had already claimed significant lives by October 2023, with an AFP tally indicating over 1,200 deaths on the Israeli side, mostly among civilians, and 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the initial attack. Gaza’s health ministry reports a staggering death toll of at least 3,193 since the resumption of Israeli strikes on March 18, bringing the total casualties of the conflict to over 53,000.
