The prime minister has defended blocking humanitarian aid to the civilian population

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to seize control of Gaza as part of a "massive" military operation against Hamas. Intensified airstrikes have reportedly left hundreds dead in the Palestinian enclave in the past several days.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday began a major ground offensive, dubbed 'Gideon's Chariots', advancing into both the northern and southern areas of Gaza. Israel says the operation is focused on defeating Hamas and securing the release of the remaining hostages.

In a video posted on Monday on Netanyahu's Telegram channel, the prime minister addressed criticism of the months-long humanitarian aid blockade, which has left Gaza on the brink of famine.

Netanyahu defended the measure, arguing that the Palestinian militant group has been diverting aid for its own use. He said a new mechanism had been introduced to distribute food and medicine through designated points under Israeli control.

According to Netanyahu, the "war and victory" plan includes "tremendous military pressure, our massive entry to actually take over all of Gaza," as well as efforts to "cut off Hamas from any ability to exploit humanitarian aid." 

On Sunday, Netanyahu's office said Israel would ease the blockade to allow limited food shipments into Gaza. The new distribution system would take time to set up, the prime minister said, adding that "we are going to establish the first points in a few more days and add more later."

International aid groups have repeatedly warned in recent weeks of the risk of famine in Gaza as Israeli bombardment intensified. Over 300 people, including children, had been killed in the 72 hours to early Monday, Palestinian health officials said. Israel blames the civilian casualties on Hamas, citing the group's use of densely populated areas for military operations.

Hamas said on Monday the IDF was firing "hundreds of highly destructive shells, missiles, and bombs daily" at residential neighborhoods. The IDF said it had struck 160 "terror targets" in the past 24 hours.

Netanyahu has vowed the war will continue until Hamas is defeated. The militant group has rejected calls to disarm.

Israel says it has stepped up its offensive to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages taken during the militant group's October 2023 attack, in which 1,200 people were killed and around 250 abducted. An estimated 58 hostages remain in Gaza.

The ensuing war in the enclave has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to local health officials.