The Israeli army is advancing “methodically” in Gaza, Netanyahu announces
The Israeli army is making “methodical” progress in the Gaza Strip, affirmed the Israeli prime minister, ruling out a ceasefire in the war against Hamas called for by humanitarian organizations that deplore the catastrophic situation in the Palestinian territory.
“The IDF has expanded its land invasion of the Gaza Strip, doing so in measured and very forceful steps and proceeding methodically,” said Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, saying the “third phase” of the military operation had begun.
Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus confirmed Tuesday morning that “Israeli troops are stationed in various parts of the northern Gaza Strip.” “We brought heavy armored vehicles, tanks, armored fighting vehicles and bulldozers,” he added, adding that he understood that “the (humanitarian) situation is difficult, but it is not our fault.”
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Since Friday evening, Israeli ground operations and attacks have intensified with the aim of “wiping out” the Palestinian Islamist movement. These operations represent a very severe test for the 2.4 million residents of the Gaza Strip, who have been under a “complete siege” since October 9th, depriving them of water, food and electricity, after having been under siege since Hamas came to power were blocked in 2007.
“The few convoys approved through Rafah are nothing compared to the needs of more than 2 million people stuck in Gaza,” denounced the head of the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini, deploring that “an entire population” dehumanizes”. He called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire, which has become a matter of life and death for millions of people.”
Benjamin Netanyahu completely rules out this possibility. “Calls for a ceasefire are calls for surrender to Hamas. “That won’t happen,” he assured. For Washington, its ally, a ceasefire is “not the right answer right now,” said John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, who favors “humanitarian pauses” instead.
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