In an exclusive interview with India Today, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, discusses the war cabinet’s approved plan for the military occupation of Gaza City. Israel’s objectives to neutralise Hamas’s military capabilities, prevent rearmament, and secure the return of hostages. Ambassador Azar states the war could end immediately “if Hamas would agree, would accept the fact that they have been defeated and renounce power.” He addresses the humanitarian situation, labelling reports of starvation and the killing of journalists as “fake news” and accusing Hamas of sequestrating food aid. The ambassador outlines Israel’s endgame: a demilitarised Gaza under a moderate civilian force with Israeli security oversight, asserting that international recognition of a Palestinian state prolongs the war by encouraging Hamas.