Gaza/IBNS: Israel will increase its military operations in the besieged Palestinian territory of Gaza but will not annex it completely, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told NDTV.

Instead, Israel will establish a new 'security perimeter' inside Gaza, which is already heavily barriered with just one crossing point controlled solely by the Israeli government.

Responding to a specific question from NDTV's Vishnu Som on the potential loss of life from any expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel is aiming for the elimination of Hamas and is working towards the return of hostages.

The plan involves significant military movement but stops short of a complete territorial takeover.

Netanyahu added that Gaza would eventually be handed over to a transitional governing authority.

The Israeli plan also involves setting up a security perimeter in Gaza to prevent future incursions.

According to Israeli officers, the war could end immediately if Hamas surrenders and lays down arms, adding that future attacks will avoid large-scale loss of civilian life.

Since launching its brutal offensive following the October 7 Hamas attack, Israel has killed at least 61,158 people, mostly women and children, in Gaza.