Israel will 'take control of all' of Gaza, Netanyahu says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel will “take control of all the territory of the Strip” as its military ramped up ground and air operations across Gaza, drawing renewed international criticism over worsening humanitarian conditions.

Speaking in a video posted on Telegram, Netanyahu said the fighting with Hamas was "intense" but that Israel was "making progress." He stressed that continued military pressure was necessary to succeed and could not be stopped.

Despite pressure from international allies, including the United States, to ease its blockade, Israel said it would allow a “basic amount” of food into Gaza to avert famine. Netanyahu framed the move as necessary "for diplomatic reasons," acknowledging that "even our friends will not accept images of mass starvation."

Airstrikes killed at least 22 people in Gaza on Monday, according to rescuers, as Israel said it struck 160 “terror targets.” Civil defense authorities reported 11 deaths in Khan Yunis and 11 more across other areas.

The Israeli military launched an expanded ground offensive on Saturday, saying its goal was to dismantle Hamas and free hostages. Netanyahu's office said negotiators in Qatar were pursuing a deal under the “Witkoff framework” — named after U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff — which includes terms for the release of all hostages, Hamas’s exile, and disarmament of Gaza.

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposed the limited aid resumption, warning it would benefit Hamas. “Hamas must only be crushed,” he said.

UN agencies and aid groups have warned of a critical famine risk in Gaza, where shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine persist. Pope Leo XIV also highlighted the crisis during his inaugural mass, saying Gazan children and families are being “reduced to starvation.”

Gaza's health ministry reported at least 3,193 deaths since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, bringing the war’s total death toll to 51,339. Hamas’ cross-border raid into Israeli territory claimed 1,200 lives. It also took more than 251 people captive with 57 still held in Gaza, including 34, the military says, are dead.