Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s new military offensive in one of Gaza’s most populated areas amid growing condemnation at home and abroad, declaring that this is “the best way to end the war and the best way to end it speedily.”

Speaking at a news conference for foreign and local media, amid international condemnation of his plans to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip, he also accused the UN of consistently refusing to distribute aid that he said Israel had allowed into Gaza.

Netanyahu also ruled out accusations that Israel had a “starvation policy.”

“If we had a starvation policy, no one in Gaza would have survived after two years of war,” he stressed.

He said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had "buckled under the pressure” after Germany halted exports of weapons to Israel that could be used in Gaza.

Netanyahu said Merz had been persuaded by "false TV reports" and "pressure from various groups."

The decision by Merz came after the Israeli Cabinet announced plans to take over Gaza City.

He stated that the release of Israeli hostages and negotiations toward a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war are “our top priority.”

Merz added that the recent military actions by Israel make it difficult for Germany to see how these goals will be achieved.

Netanyahu said "maybe some choose to forget October 7th", adding that Israel would "do whatever it takes to defend our country."

He also announced that foreign journalists would be allowed in to cover the war in Gaza.