A former Israeli diplomat has told CNN Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ground offensive in Gaza City is taking place to solely “perpetuate the war.”
Alon Pinkas, who once served as Consul General of Israel in New York City, said the operation appears to be without military goals.
“The death, devastation and desolation that noncombatants and civilians of Gaza have endured in the last, almost two years, they’re going to see more of that in the next few days and weeks, I’m tragically sorry to say,” he said.
“And it’s probably going to sacrifice the lives of most, if not all, of the remaining live hostages.”
A total of 20 hostages are believed to be alive in Gaza.
Pinkas expressed concern about Netanyahu’s plans for the enclave’s largest city once the takeover is complete.
“Israel effectively will occupy 75% of the Gaza strip and 75% of Gaza’s population without an end in sight,” he said, “without any vision of how this is going to play out.
“With the world looking, condemning, criticizing and opposing.”
The former diplomat also noted that Netanyahu has proved to be “impervious” to all international pressure and domestic reservations.
Brian Abel contributed to this report.
