Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his forces will conquer the territory along the Egyptian border with Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces started operations in northern Gaza, diving millions of Palestinians towards the border with Egypt.
“The Philadelphi Corridor – or to put it more correctly, the southern stoppage point [of Gaza] – must be in our hands,” the Israeli leader said on Saturday. “It must be shut. It is clear that any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarisation that we seek.”
The IDF heavily bombed Gaza after October 7 and then invaded the coastal enclave from the north and east. Tel Aviv has ordered the 2.3 million people who live in Gaza to flee into small areas near the border with Israel along the Mediterranean Sea. At least 85% of the population of the Strip are now internally displaced.
Netanyahu said the military operation will continue for several months. “As the chief of staff said this week, the war will continue many more months.” The Israeli Prime Minister added, “My policy is clear. We will continue to fight until we have achieved all the objectives of the war, first and foremost the annihilation of Hamas and the release of all the hostages.”
Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says the IDF is making preparations for a year-long operation in Gaza.
The Israeli operations in Gaza have already destroyed most of the infrastructure in the Strip. Only eight hospitals continue to function. 20% of the agricultural land has been destroyed. The Palestinians have been pushed into overcrowded areas lacking basic needs for survival. As Tel Aviv chokes aid deliveries, starvation and disease are beginning to spread.
