Jerusalem/Cairo – The Israeli security government approved a plan on Friday to take control of the Gaza Strip. This is part of a move to expand military operations in the torn Palestinian territories. The decision comes despite growing criticism at home and abroad over the nearly two-year war.
Far-right allies in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition are seeking full control of Gaza. This move is part of his pledge to eliminate Hamas militants. However, the military has warned that this could put the lives of the remaining hostages held by the group at risk.
Israel, which has been at war in Gaza since Hamas’ deadly attack on southern Israel in October 2023, is planning an expanded campaign. This follows failed attempts to broker a ceasefire. Additionally, it comes at a time when it faces growing international protests over the worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the army “will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones”.
Full control of the entire Gaza Strip
While Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel intends to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip, the plan approved on Friday focused specifically on Gaza City. This city is the Strip’s largest urban center. It is located to its north.
In a statement, Hamas described Netanyahu’s moves as a “blatant coup” against the negotiation process.
The Israeli government is expected to approve the Gaza City plan.
Israeli media reported that 900,000 people now live in Gaza City. This city has been the focus of large-scale ground and air attacks. This number includes many who were forced to leave towns at the northern end of the Strip. They left under military evacuation orders and due to ground operations.
Before the war, Hamas’s most powerful combat units were believed to be operating in northern Gaza, including Gaza City. It is not clear whether this is still the case. Israel has killed the movement’s senior leaders and many of its leaders and fighters.
When asked whether Israel, whose forces say they already control about 75% of the coastal sector, would occupy the entire sector, Netanyahu told Fox News in an interview on Thursday: “We intend to do so”.
