Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has approved plans for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to move forward with operations to take control of Gaza City and defeat Hamas.

Speaking at the Gaza Division headquarters, Netanyahu declared:
“We’re at the decisive stage. I came today to the Gaza Division in order to approve the plans that the IDF presented to me and to the Defense Minister for taking control of Gaza City and defeating Hamas.”

The announcement marks a critical development in Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which has seen weeks of intense clashes between the IDF and Hamas fighters throughout the Gaza Strip.

Israeli officials say the operation aims to dismantle Hamas’ command structure in Gaza City, considered the group’s central stronghold, while also cutting off its ability to launch attacks on Israeli territory.

International observers have voiced concern over the humanitarian impact of escalating military actions, as Gaza’s civilian population continues to face worsening conditions amid the fighting.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel remains determined to achieve “total victory” over Hamas, framing Gaza City as a pivotal battleground in the conflict.