Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will enter Gaza “with full force” in the coming days. The announcement, released through an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, indicates a significant intensification of Israel’s ongoing military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“In the very coming days, we are going in with full force to complete the operation. Completing the operation means defeating Hamas. It means destroying Hamas,” Netanyahu said.
The statement confirms that Israel’s primary objective is to eliminate the operational and organizational capacity of Hamas. According to Netanyahu, the goal is not limited to weakening the group but fully dismantling its infrastructure and leadership.
No Plan to End War Before Hamas Is Defeated
Netanyahu clarified that while a temporary ceasefire may occur, Israel does not intend to stop military operations until Hamas is completely defeated. “There will be no situation where we stop the war. A temporary ceasefire might happen, but we are going all the way,” he said.
This position signals Israel’s refusal to agree to any long-term ceasefire unless its military and political objectives in Gaza are fully met.
Plans to Facilitate Gaza Civilian Relocation
In a separate part of the statement, Netanyahu revealed that the Israeli government is working on plans to facilitate the departure of civilians from Gaza. He stated that a new administrative mechanism has been established to allow Gaza residents to leave the territory, provided third countries are willing to receive them.
“We’ve set up an administration that will allow them [Gaza residents] to leave, but we need countries willing to take them in. That’s what we’re working on right now,” Netanyahu told injured Israeli soldiers during a meeting on Monday.
Netanyahu estimated that over 50 percent of the population in Gaza may choose to leave if provided with an opportunity and a host country.
Current Situation in Gaza
The Gaza Strip continues to face ongoing airstrikes, artillery fire, and military operations by the IDF as part of what the Israeli government calls its campaign to neutralize Hamas. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. More than one million people have been displaced internally.
The Israeli government has faced growing international pressure to minimize civilian casualties, allow humanitarian aid, and consider diplomatic avenues. However, Netanyahu’s latest statements indicate a continuation and possible expansion of military action rather than a move toward de-escalation.
International Response
So far, there has been no official reaction from international bodies or governments regarding Netanyahu’s announcement. The United Nations and several countries have previously called for a permanent ceasefire and an immediate end to the hostilities.
Background
The conflict escalated in late 2024 following a series of attacks and counterattacks between Hamas and Israel. The Israeli government accuses Hamas of targeting civilians and using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Hamas denies these accusations and claims it is resisting occupation and defending Palestinian rights.
Netanyahu’s government has consistently maintained that the only way to restore long-term security is to destroy Hamas’s military capabilities.
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