Netanyahu: Full-Force Ground Offensive in Gaza Imminent

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the military would launch a full-force offensive in Gaza in the coming days, stating the goal was to defeat and destroy Hamas. Speaking to injured reserve soldiers, Netanyahu ruled out a permanent halt to the war, though he acknowledged a temporary ceasefire might occur. Israel resumed major operations on March 18 after a stall in progress following the January 19 ceasefire with Hamas. Earlier this month, Israel approved plans to expand its campaign, with officials outlining intentions to retain a long-term presence in Gaza and displace most of its population—an approach that has drawn sharp international criticism.

Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have already been displaced at least once since Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. Israeli authorities have promoted the idea of a “voluntary transfer” of Gazans to other countries, reviving a controversial proposal from the Trump era. Netanyahu stated that Israel had set up an administrative framework to enable this relocation and was actively seeking countries willing to accept displaced Palestinians, claiming over 50% might leave if given the opportunity. However, the idea has been firmly rejected by neighboring Arab nations like Egypt and Jordan, as well as by the broader international community and the Palestinians themselves.

Meanwhile, the conflict has resulted in severe casualties. According to the Hamas-run health ministry—whose figures are considered credible by the UN—over 52,900 people have been killed in Gaza, the majority of them civilians. Israel also reported that 251 people were abducted during the initial Hamas assault, with 57 still held in Gaza, including 34 confirmed dead.