Expanding military action in Gaza, decided by Israel
The current conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is witnessing a significant escalation, as Israel's government has approved plans for a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, by October 7, 2025.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorised a plan to place Gaza City under siege, aiming to evacuate around a million residents into designated "humanitarian zones." The goal is to establish control points for humanitarian aid distribution and eventually exercise operational control over the entire Gaza Strip.
However, the Israeli military has expressed concerns about the plan's feasibility and consequences. These concerns include high risks to hostages held by Hamas, heavy casualties among soldiers and Gazan civilians, erosion of IDF combat capabilities due to prolonged conflict, and the potential that the plan could play into Hamas’ strategic interests by provoking a prolonged and bloody urban battle.
Domestically, the Israeli public exhibits deep divisions. While there is growing opposition to the military escalation based on fears for hostages’ safety and soldiers’ lives, there is comparatively less public concern for Palestinian suffering in Gaza. Large protests have occurred in Israel, primarily focused on the perceived dangers of the military offensive for hostages and soldiers rather than humanitarian conditions for Palestinians.
Internationally, the United Nations and human rights officials strongly oppose Israel’s plans for a full military takeover. They warn that the operation would cause massive displacement, widespread civilian suffering, and potential war crimes. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an immediate halt to the military takeover efforts and urged Israel to allow unfettered humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
The UN also insists that all hostages be released unconditionally by Hamas. The broader conflict context includes collapsed ceasefire efforts mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar earlier in 2025, ongoing Israeli air and ground operations in Gaza, a severe humanitarian crisis due to blockades, and regional escalations involving Hezbollah, Iranian-affiliated groups, and attacks in neighboring countries.
In summary, the conflict is currently at a critical juncture with Israel proceeding with plans for a full Gaza takeover and siege operations despite military and public opposition. Hostage rescue and security concerns dominate Israeli policy and public discourse. International calls for de-escalation, humanitarian aid access, and respect for human rights are being made, but no viable ceasefire or negotiation efforts are currently ongoing due to breakdowns in talks.
The potential outcomes range from a prolonged and intensified military occupation of Gaza with severe humanitarian consequences to a possible negotiation if significant international or domestic pressure materialises, although such prospects appear limited in the current environment.
Furthermore, the UN and international aid organisations are warning of a potential famine in the Gaza Strip due to looting of supplies before distribution. The international community is urging Israel to prevent further escalation and to prioritise humanitarian aid for the residents of Gaza.
War-and-conflicts and politics intersect in the ongoing dispute between Israel and Hamas, as the military's takeover plan of Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, incites concern from human rights officials and international community due to potential war crimes and a potential famine in Gaza.
General-news outlets are extensively covering the conflict, with domestic divisions within Israel, military concerns, and international calls for de-escalation and humanitarian aid being major points of discussion.
