Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said that Israel aims not to occupy Gaza but to “free” it from Hamas and support the establishment of a peaceful civilian government. His remarks were made during a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office posted on X. Netanyahu’s comments come amid growing criticism following the approval by Israel’s security cabinet of a new military plan that involves taking control of Gaza City. The announcement has sparked backlash both domestically and internationally. “We are not going to occupy Gaza – we are going to free Gaza from Hamas,” Netanyahu said. “Gaza will be demilitarised, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established, one that is not the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, and not any other terrorist organisation. This will help free our hostages and ensure Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future.” Netanyahu also expressed his disappointment to Merz during the call over Germany’s decision to suspend weapons exports to Israel.“Instead of supporting Israel’s just war against Hamas, which carried out the most horrific attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Germany is rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel,” his office stated. The updated plan to “defeat” Hamas includes Israeli forces taking control of Gaza City. Netanyahu’s govt outlined five principles for Gaza’s future, including demilitarisation and the creation of an alternative civil authority. Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel does not intend to govern Gaza long-term but aims to establish a “security perimeter” and hand over control to Arab forces capable of maintaining stability. The plan has been met with strong criticism globally, AFP reported. China, Turkey, Britain, several Arab countries, and the United Nations Human Rights Chief voiced concerns. Hamas described the move as a “new war crime.” Meanwhile, in a significant policy shift, Germany has halted military exports to Israel, citing concerns over their potential use in Gaza. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated it was “increasingly difficult to understand” how Israel’s latest actions support its stated goals. Last month, the Israeli army claimed it controls around 75 percent of the Gaza Strip. Israel previously occupied Gaza from 1967 until its withdrawal in 2005.