Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly backing a plan to seize full control of the Gaza Strip, despite misgivings from military officials and growing international criticism of Israel.
During a high-level meeting with Israeli security officials Tuesday, Netanyahu said he favored occupying the Gaza Strip even if it meant that Hamas, the militant group that rules the enclave, kills or harms hostages seized during attacks nearly two years ago, reports The Times of Israel.
The meeting highlighted a disagreement between Netanyahu and Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, chief of staff for the Israeli Defense Forces, reports The Jerusalem Post. Netanyahu said Israel will only be able to free the hostages with a change of approach, according to the paper. Zamir responded that occupying Gaza could be a trap that endangers the hostages.
Since launching its campaign to eradicate Hamas, Israel has faced growing international backlash on the toll it's taken on Palestinian civilians who've faced death, displacement and, more recently, widespread starvation.
Related
