Considering a comprehensive seizure of Gaza: Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu contemplates strategic military control over Gaza
In a significant development, Israel has announced plans for a military takeover of Gaza City, marking a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas [1]. This decision, following an Israeli cabinet meeting, has raised concerns about the potential worsening of the already catastrophic humanitarian situation for millions of Palestinians in Gaza [2].
The United Nations and international leaders have condemned this planned military takeover, warning it will lead to more displacement, deaths, and widespread destruction. The UN stresses that this escalation will deepen the humanitarian crisis and put the lives of Palestinians, including hostages held by Hamas, at greater risk [2][3].
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN Human Rights Chief have both expressed their concerns, urging Israel to comply with its obligations under international law and to stop the military takeover plan immediately [2][3]. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Israel to reconsider this offensive, stating that further escalation will not resolve the conflict or secure the release of hostages, but only increase bloodshed [1].
Starmer advocates for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, the release of hostages by Hamas, and a negotiated diplomatic solution leading toward a two-state resolution. However, he acknowledges the prospects for negotiations are fading [1].
According to Gaza authorities, 188 Palestinians, including 94 children, have died from hunger since the war began [4]. The strategy reportedly favors a complete military takeover of the Gaza Strip [5].
The current Israeli coalition government is the most right-wing and religiously conservative in its history. Far-right politicians in the Israeli coalition advocate for the annexation of both Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and encourage Palestinians to leave their homeland [6].
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer are expected to attend a meeting to decide on a strategy for the Gaza conflict [7]. The Israeli military has pushed back against the idea of Israel fully occupying Gaza, but it is not clear if this is part of a larger ground offensive [5].
Palestinian officials believe the suggestion of a full takeover of Gaza may be a tactic to pressure Hamas into concessions [8]. Hamas has released a video of one of the 50 hostages still held in Gaza, appearing emaciated in an underground tunnel [9]. Another 79 people died in the latest Israeli firing in Gaza [10].
The war in Gaza was triggered on October 7th, 2023, by Hamas-led militants attacking Israel, resulting in the death of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages [11]. The Israeli military response has killed more than 61,000 people, mostly civilians, in Gaza [12].
The Israeli Prime Minister's office declined to comment on a report suggesting a full takeover of Gaza [13]. In a challenge to the military, far-right national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir asked military head Mr Zamir if he would comply with government directives even if a decision was made to take all of Gaza [14].
In a meeting with senior security officials, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu discussed a new strategy for the 22-month war in Gaza [15]. The situation remains critical without progress toward peace, and calls for ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and negotiations continue.
References: 1. BBC News 2. Al Jazeera 3. Reuters 4. Ma'an News Agency 5. Haaretz 6. The Times of Israel 7. The Jerusalem Post 8. The New Arab 9. CNN 10. The Associated Press 11. The Washington Post 12. The Guardian 13. The Jerusalem Post 14. The Times of Israel 15. Al Jazeera
- The planned military takeover of Gaza City by Israel and the ongoing conflict in the region are topics of discussion in general news, political debates, and war-and-conflicts updates by various news outlets.
- Crime-and-justice concerns have been raised as international leaders urge Israel to stop the planned military takeover, citing potential human rights violations and increased bloodshed in Gaza.
