Jerusalem/Gaza
Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a controversial plan to seize full control of Gaza City, escalating a 22-month-long war triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the goal is to destroy Hamas and eventually hand over Gaza’s administration to “friendly Arab forces.”
The decision, taken in the early hours of Friday, follows Netanyahu’s televised statement on Thursday that Israel “intends to take control of all of Gaza” to secure its borders, dismantle Hamas, and enable “a good life” for Gazans under new governance. He emphasized that Israel does not plan to keep the territory permanently but wants to maintain a security perimeter before handing it over.
Rising Risks for Hostages and Civilians
The move has sparked protests from families of the roughly 20 Israeli hostages still believed alive in Gaza. Former senior Israeli security officials also warned that occupying the remaining parts of Gaza would risk lives with little added military gain.
Israel already controls about three-quarters of the devastated strip, where nearly all residents have been displaced. Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with widespread hunger and destruction worsening.
On Thursday alone, at least 42 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and shootings in southern Gaza. “There is nothing left to occupy,” said Maysaa al-Heila, a displaced resident.
Military Concerns and Political Pressures
Israeli military chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir has reportedly cautioned against a full occupation, citing risks to hostages and strain on the armed forces. Critics, including hostage families, accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war to appease far-right allies who have called for relocating Gaza’s population and restoring dismantled Jewish settlements.
Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200 in the October 7 attack. While most hostages have since been freed through ceasefires or deals, dozens remain unaccounted for.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The UN says chaos at food distribution sites has left hundreds dead in recent weeks. Witnesses and health officials allege Israeli forces have fired toward hungry crowds since May, when a two-and-a-half-month blockade ended. Israel denies targeting civilians, saying only warning shots were fired.
With this latest escalation, analysts warn Israel could face deeper international isolation while Gaza’s humanitarian disaster worsens.
(PC: Al Jazeera)
