Israeli tanks wait in an IDF staging area in southern Israel along the border with the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. The United Nations is calling for an immediate end to hostilities to prevent a massive loss of civilian lives. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the takeover of Gaza City by the Israel Defense Force and called for negotiating the release of hostages.
Taking control of Gaza City, which is the largest city in Gaza, and negotiating for the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas will enable Israel to end the war in Gaza on its terms, Netanyahu said in a Thursday night video statement, Haaretz reported.
Netanyahu visited the IDF's Gaza Division on Thursday as the war entered what he called a "decisive stage," according to The Jerusalem Post.
"I arrived today at the Gaza Division to approve the plans presented by the IDF to me and the defense minister for the takeover of Gaza City and the defeat of Hamas," Netanyahu said.
