Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly defended a new, expanded military offensive in Gaza amid increasing condemnation both domestically and internationally. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's objective is not to occupy Gaza but to "free Gaza" from Hamas terrorists. He stated that due to Hamas's refusal to disarm, Israel "has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas." The planned operations now include Gaza City, the central camps, and the Mawasi area, marking a broader scope than previously announced. Netanyahu reiterated that the military campaign aims to decisively defeat Hamas, despite the growing criticism of the offensive.