Israel Advances Further Into Gaza
Israeli troops moved further across the Gaza Strip on Monday, May 19. PM Netanyahu posted a video on his Telegram page announcing that the army would assume control over “all the land of the Strip.” Netanyahu characterized the combat as “tough” but asserted steady gains.
“We will not abandon hope,” he declared, emphasizing his government’s resolve. “But to succeed, we must behave in a manner that cannot be resisted.”
This declaration is one of the strongest indications yet of Israel’s long-term intention to occupy and rule Gaza at least in the short term.
Aid Control Becomes a Battlefield
PM Netanyahu presented the escalation of military operations as a method to prevent Hamas from hijacking humanitarian aid. Netanyahu accused the group of “looting” humanitarian aid that was dispatched for civilians. Gaza’s residents continue to endure extensive destruction, displacement, and starvation as a result of Israeli air and ground attacks.
PM admitted that the people of Gaza are being starved. But he did not invoke humanitarian obligation as justification for permitting limited food relief. Rather, he spoke of diplomatic considerations. “We should not allow the population to descend into famine, both practically and diplomatically,” he said.
Even Israel’s friends, he warned, “will not accept images of mass starvation.”
Diplomatic Damage Control, Not Relief
PM Netanyahu’s message is explicit: the aim is domination, not empathy. His words indicate Israel wants to preserve its military superiority and deal with international perceptions. The putative aim is to prevent Hamas from taking advantage of assistance. The unspoken fact is an escalating occupation.
As it becomes increasingly unacceptable abroad, Netanyahu’s Gaza domination plan reveals a hardened political strategy—curb humanitarian consequences without stopping the attack.