Netanyahu says “Israel” must complete defeat of Hamas to free captives

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that “Israel” must "complete" the defeat of Hamas in Gaza to secure the release of captives, ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss an updated war plan.

"It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training facility.

“Israeli” media said the premier was considering ordering the total occupation of the Palestinian territory, with public broadcaster Kan reporting that "Netanyahu wants the Israeli army to conquer the entire Gaza Strip."

Netanyahu's office said he held a three-hour "security discussion" on Tuesday with army chief Eyal Zamir, but did not disclose any new war plans.

The premier's office earlier said the army was prepared to implement any decision made by the security cabinet, which is due to convene later in the week to approve new instructions.

Citing cabinet members, Kan reported that Netanyahu had "decided to extend the fight to areas where hostages might be held" inside Gaza.

But some major media outlets such as Channel 12 have suggested that the rumoured expansion of military operations may only be a negotiating tactic.

While there was no official confirmation for a plan to occupy Gaza -- from which “Israel” withdrew troops and settlers two decades ago -- it has drawn angry reactions from the Palestinian Authority and Gaza's Hamas-run government.

Hamas insisted such an “Israeli” plan would not shift its position in ceasefire talks, demanding the withdrawal of troops from Gaza.

"The ball is in the hands of... (Israel) and the Americans," senior Hamas official Hossam Badran told AFP, adding that the group wanted to "end the war and the famine".

“Agreement must be reached”

Over the war's 22 months, “Israeli” forces have devastated large parts of the Gaza Strip, where repeated warnings of famine have increased pressure on Netanyahu's government to halt the fighting.

Humanitarian agencies say the territory's 2.4 million people are slipping into a catastrophic famine.

Netanyahu has faced growing pressure on several fronts.

Domestically, families of captives are demanding a ceasefire to bring their loved ones home.

Around the world, there are increasing calls for a truce to allow in food to the starving in Gaza.

The International Committee of the Red Cross on Tuesday said it was "prepared and ready to bring in medicine, food and family news for the hostages in Gaza", and to "scale up the delivery of life-saving aid safely to civilians".

But "to do this, an agreement must be reached between Israel and Hamas," it said.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners demand to keep fighting and reoccupy Gaza.