JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended a new military offensive in Gaza on Sunday, stating that Israel must "finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas." His remarks came just before an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council focused on the situation in Gaza.

Netanyahu announced that he has instructed the Israeli military to allow more foreign journalists into Gaza, a significant change after 22 months of war during which access was heavily restricted. He emphasized, "Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza." He also criticized what he termed a "global campaign of lies" regarding Israel's actions.

The prime minister expressed disappointment over Germany's decision to halt military equipment exports to Israel, claiming Chancellor Friedrich Merz had "buckled under" pressure. He mentioned a "fairly short timetable" for future actions in Gaza but did not provide specific details. Netanyahu outlined goals that include demilitarizing Gaza, establishing Israeli military control, and implementing a non-Israeli civilian administration.

He attributed many of Gaza's issues, including civilian casualties and aid shortages, to Hamas. "Hamas still has thousands of armed terrorists in Gaza," he said, adding that Palestinians are "begging" for liberation from the group. While Netanyahu previously claimed there was no starvation in Gaza, he acknowledged issues of deprivation, stating, "There was a problem with deprivation, no question about it." He indicated that Israel aims to increase aid distribution sites but did not elaborate on the plans.

As the military operations continue, at least 26 Palestinians were reported killed while seeking aid in Gaza. Hospital officials noted that many victims were near food convoy routes or aid distribution points. Among the dead were 15 individuals waiting for aid trucks near the Morag corridor and six others near the Zikim crossing. Witnesses reported hearing warning shots before gunfire was directed at crowds of aid-seekers.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operates food distribution sites, faced criticism after reports of violence near its locations. The foundation stated that there were no incidents at its sites and suggested that the violence was linked to looting attempts.

In addition to the casualties from gunfire, local hospitals reported seven deaths from airstrikes, including three near Gaza City's fishermen's port and four in Khan Younis, two of whom were children. The Israeli military has not commented on these strikes but has accused Hamas of using civilian areas for operations.

The ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with the death toll from malnutrition among children reaching 100 since the war began. A total of 117 adults have also died from malnutrition-related causes. The ministry responsible for tracking these figures does not differentiate between fighters and civilians but estimates that about half of the deceased are women and children.

In Israel, families of hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, called for a general strike to protest the military escalation. Tens of thousands of Israelis participated in a rally in Tel Aviv, expressing concerns that the expanded military operations could jeopardize the lives of their loved ones.

Lishay Miran-Lavi, whose husband is among the hostages, urged U.S. officials to intervene, stating, "The decision to send the army deeper into Gaza is a danger to my husband, Omri. But we can still stop this disaster."

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the northern West Bank, where significant displacement of Palestinians has occurred this year. He stated that military operations would continue in refugee camps until at least the end of the year, noting an 80% decrease in warnings about attacks against Israelis since operations began in January.