"Netanyahu Affirms Israel's Commitment to Gaza's Population and Non-Occupation"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that Israel's goal in the war against Hamas in Gaza is not to permanently occupy the territory or displace its civilian population, emphasizing that the conflict is in compliance with international law and aimed at ridding Gaza of Hamas terrorists and freeing hostages. Netanyahu defended the Israeli Defense Forces' efforts to minimize civilian casualties and rejected allegations of genocide, while the U.S. State Department dismissed such claims as unfounded and reiterated support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas' terrorist acts.