Israel Approves Plan to Take Over Gaza City, Escalating Military Campaign
Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to take over Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in the country’s ongoing military operations in the region. The decision was announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, signaling a shift in strategy as the conflict in Gaza enters its 22nd month. This move follows the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which led to a large-scale Israeli military response.
The government also announced five principles for ending the war, including the disarmament of Hamas, the return of Israeli hostages—both alive and deceased—the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip under Israeli security control, and the establishment of an “alternative civilian government.” According to the statement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will prepare to take control of Gaza City while ensuring humanitarian aid is provided to civilians outside combat zones.
A majority of cabinet ministers reportedly believed that the alternative plans proposed would not lead to the defeat of Hamas or the safe return of the hostages. However, no specific timeline has been confirmed for when the increased military assault might begin. Analysts suggest that this could mean the IDF will deploy troops into Gaza City and potentially expand into other areas where many Palestinians have fled.
Netanyahu’s Vision for Gaza
Earlier, Netanyahu had told Fox News that Israel intended to take military control of Gaza and hand it over to “Arab forces” for governance. He emphasized that Israel does not want to govern Gaza itself but instead seeks a “security perimeter” to prevent threats. Netanyahu claimed that handing over governance to Arab forces would allow Gazans to live better lives without the threat of Hamas.
However, his comments were met with skepticism, especially after a meeting with the head of the military, which some described as tense. The military chief reportedly pushed back against expanding the campaign. Hamas condemned Netanyahu’s plans as a “blatant coup” against ongoing ceasefire negotiations, accusing him of wanting to abandon the hostages and escalate the conflict.
International Reactions
In Australia, Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged the Israeli government to abandon its plans to occupy Gaza City, stating that such actions would violate international law. She called for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and unimpeded aid flow. Wong reiterated Australia’s support for a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for a Palestinian state and Israel to coexist peacefully within internationally recognized borders.
Meanwhile, a Jordanian official criticized Netanyahu’s policies, stating that Arabs would not agree to his plans or clean up the mess created by the conflict. The official emphasized that any security arrangements in Gaza must be based on legitimate Palestinian institutions and reflect the will of the Palestinian people.
Fear and Displacement Among Gazans
News of the potential military takeover spread quickly through Gaza, causing fear among residents already struggling from 22 months of war. Jaber Abu Odeh, a 35-year-old displaced resident, expressed concerns about the worsening situation, describing the current conditions as unbearable. Adel Shomali, 40, echoed similar sentiments, saying the prospect of being forced to move again would be devastating.
Protests also took place in Jerusalem, where hundreds gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office to oppose the expansion of the war. Protesters like Michal Goren and Nadav Hellman voiced their fears, highlighting the human cost of the conflict and the dangers faced by hostages held in tunnels.
UN Concerns and Internal Divisions
The United Nations has described reports of a possible expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza as “deeply alarming.” If true, full control would impose obligations on Israel to provide security and meet the basic needs of the population. Internally, there are growing divisions within Israel, with some military leaders and hostage families criticizing the government’s approach.
Far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition, however, continue to push for a full military takeover of Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed hope that the security cabinet would approve the operation during a recent meeting.
Ongoing Conflict and Human Toll
The war between Israel and Hamas began after the October 7, 2023, attack, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Since then, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel disputes these figures and does not release its own data, nor does it allow independent media access to the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains divided on how to address the crisis, with calls for a ceasefire and a lasting resolution to the conflict.
