Intensifies military operations within Gaza Strip, Israel's decision
Israel is preparing for a significant military operation in Gaza, with plans to forcibly move hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza City and establish Israeli security control over the region [1][2][4]. The operation, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to disarm Hamas, release hostages, demilitarize Gaza, and establish an alternative civilian administration not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Key developments include Israel's intention to evacuate all civilians from Gaza City by October 7, 2025, affecting up to 800,000 people who have already been displaced multiple times [2][5]. Humanitarian aid supplies, including tents for displaced Palestinians, are being prepared in anticipation of this mass movement [1].
The conflict has resulted in massive casualties, with about 61,897 deaths in Gaza according to Hamas-run health authorities, and around 1,200 deaths in Israel from the 2023 Hamas attack [1]. The United Nations and human rights officials strongly warn against a full Israeli military takeover, calling it illegal under international law and predicting catastrophic humanitarian consequences such as forced displacement, mass suffering, and atrocity crimes [3].
UN officials emphasize the need for a peaceful two-State solution and unrestricted humanitarian aid access while calling for the immediate release of hostages and detainees [3][5]. Experts and analysts fear Israel is headed toward a protracted “forever war” in Gaza, with deepened occupation risking further destabilization and international condemnation without a credible long-term governance plan for Gaza [4].
Several nations, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, have recognized a Palestinian state and criticized Netanyahu’s military plans, signaling growing international concern over the conflict’s escalation [1]. Months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a new ceasefire and the release of more hostages have been unsuccessful.
The United Nations has described a further escalation of the fighting as "deeply alarming" and warned of catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians [6]. Many humanitarian aid supplies intended for the Gaza Strip are being looted before distribution by civilians and armed groups. The military leadership had concerns about the original plan for a full conquest of the Gaza Strip due to potential danger to the hostages [7].
Netanyahu stated that Israel wants to free the Gaza Strip from Hamas and hand it over to forces that do not call for the destruction of Israel [8]. The Israeli security cabinet approved a plan to take the city of Gaza [9]. The now-concrete announcement of an expansion of the fighting could be part of a negotiating tactic to put pressure on Hamas in the ceasefire negotiations [10].
Over 61,000 people have been killed since the start of the war, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health authority [11]. Critics accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons to please his coalition partners [12]. There are approximately 50 hostages still in the hands of Hamas, with about 20 believed to be alive [13].
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he is more determined than ever to free the hostages, dismantle Hamas, and ensure that the Gaza Strip under Hamas rule would never again pose a threat to Israel [14]. Approximately two million Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip [15]. The UN and international aid organizations are warning of a potential famine in the besieged Gaza Strip, where around two million people live in catastrophic conditions [16].
The Israeli security cabinet decided on five principles to end the war in the Gaza Strip: military control of the coastal area, complete disarmament of the Islamic Hamas, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, establishment of an alternative civilian government, and control of approximately three-quarters of the largely destroyed coastal strip [17]. The goal is to evacuate the residents to refugee camps in the central section of the Gaza Strip by early October [18].
Netanyahu stated that Israel does not want to permanently occupy Gaza [19]. The Gaza war was sparked by attacks on Israel by Hamas and other Islamic terrorist organizations, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages [20]. The military operation decided upon will focus solely on the city of Gaza in the north of the coastal area [21]. Israel's leadership has decided to escalate the fighting in the Gaza Strip [22].
Around 70% of homes in the Gaza Strip are destroyed or severely damaged, with the damage in Khan Yunis and parts of Rafah reaching 80-90% [23]. The international community is closely watching the developments in Gaza, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and urging Israel to respect human rights and international law.
In the context of Israel's military operation in Gaza, discussions about policy-and-legislation and politics are escalating, as the country plans to forcibly evacuate up to 800,000 Palestinians from Gaza City by October 7, 2025 [2][5]. This mass displacement has raised concerns among UN officials and human rights groups, who predict it could result in further war-and-conflicts and atrocity crimes [3]. Meanwhile, several nations, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, have voiced their concern over the conflict's escalation, signaling general-news interest in the situation [1].
