Expansion of Gaza Conflict: Israel intends to seize control of the principal city
In a move that has sparked international concern, Israel has announced plans to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip. The operation aims to gain "operational control" of Gaza City, with the ultimate goal of disarming Hamas, securing the release of hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, establishing Israeli security control, and setting up a new civil administration independent of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Prime Minister Netanyahu announced this strategy on August 7, 2025, emphasizing the distribution of humanitarian aid outside combat zones while preparing to control Gaza City. The operation plans to evacuate around one million civilians from Gaza City to designated "humanitarian zones" before imposing a siege expected to last several months.
However, this military expansion risks severe humanitarian consequences. The Gaza Strip is already facing a disastrous humanitarian situation, with widespread famine-level food insecurity, acute malnutrition, disease, collapsing essential services, and massive displacement exacerbated by restricted humanitarian access. Evacuating such a large civilian population under siege conditions is likely to increase civilian casualties and suffering.
The United Nations has expressed grave concerns about the plan, warning it risks igniting further displacement, death, and destabilization of the region. UN officials and humanitarian actors emphasize the need to protect civilians, release hostages unconditionally, and facilitate humanitarian assistance. Turkey has condemned the plan as expansionist and genocidal, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution.
It is important to note that the vast majority of Gaza is already under some kind of displacement order or held by Israeli troops. The decision was made following a nine-hour meeting and is supported by a majority vote of the security cabinet.
The operation's implications extend beyond Gaza's borders. The U.K., France, and Germany have criticized Israel's decision to expand the war, with the U.K. calling it the wrong decision, France saying it couldn't support the move because it fuels escalation without offering real solutions, and Germany announcing it would halt weapon sales to Israel that are used in the war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, within Israel, there are growing calls to question the purpose and consequences of the ongoing war. Many reservists and retired generals are expressing their concerns, while families of hostages question Netanyahu's commitment to freeing their loved ones, suggesting he prioritizes keeping his far-right coalition together.
In Gaza City, Mahmoud Ahmad, a displaced Palestinian, expresses his reluctance to be displaced again due to emotional, physical, and financial reasons, stating he would rather die than relocate.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution that prioritizes the protection of civilians and the restoration of humanitarian aid.
News of Israel's plans to expand its military operation in Gaza Strip, with a focus on war-and-conflicts, has ignited global concern. The strategy, announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu, includes disarming Hamas, securing the release of hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, establishing Israeli security control, and setting up a new civil administration independent of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (general-news). This expansion risks severe humanitarian consequences, as the Gaza Strip is currently grappling with disastrous humanitarian conditions, including widespread food insecurity, disease, and collapsed services.
