Intensifies the military operation in Gaza, a decision made by Israel
In a move that has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally, Israeli politicians have hinted at a new military strategy for the Gaza Strip. This strategy, approved by the Israeli security cabinet on August 8, 2025, aims to take operational control of Gaza City by October 7, 2025.
The plan involves a large-scale ground operation, with the initial focus on the city itself. The ultimate goal is to eventually control the entire Gaza territory, though this is a long-term objective. The operation includes the evacuation of up to a million residents into designated "humanitarian zones" and the creation of additional points for humanitarian aid distribution.
Israel currently controls about three-quarters of the largely destroyed coastal strip, home to approximately two million Palestinians. The operation comes amidst severe humanitarian crises in Gaza, with around 70% of houses destroyed or severely damaged, and warnings of a potential famine from the UN and international aid organizations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the operation is aimed at freeing hostages held by Hamas, dismantling Hamas, and ensuring that the Gaza Strip under the rule of the terrorist organization would never again pose a threat to the State of Israel. However, the plan stops short of full control of Gaza partly due to warnings from senior Israeli generals that an expanded operation could endanger the approximately 20 known hostages still alive.
The ongoing strikes and siege are partially intended to pressure Hamas into releasing these hostages. Netanyahu has also stated that Israel does not want to permanently occupy Gaza, and instead wants to hand the region over to "Arab forces" that do not call for the destruction of Israel.
The operation decided upon is focused on the city of Gaza in the north of the coastal region. Critics accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons to appease his coalition partners. Relatives of the abductees have spoken out against military rescue attempts and urged a negotiated settlement to end the war.
The plan includes five principles to end the war in the Gaza Strip: Israel's military control of the coastal region, complete disarmament of the Islamic Hamas, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of an alternative civilian government. The mediating states of Qatar and Egypt are already putting pressure on Hamas to return to the negotiating table.
However, the approach is highly contested due to risks of high casualties, worsening famine, and the continuation of hostilities that complicate hostage rescue efforts. Many aid supplies brought into the blockaded area are looted before distribution, making the situation even more dire. Months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a new ceasefire and the release of more hostages have been unsuccessful.
Media speculate that the announcement of an expansion of the fighting could be part of a negotiation tactic to put pressure on Hamas in the ceasefire negotiations. Netanyahu's desire to hand the Gaza Strip over to "Arab forces" that do not call for the destruction of Israel adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
References: [1] Israeli military sources express concerns about the strategy. (2025, August 10). The Jerusalem Post. [Online]. Available: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israeli-military-sources-express-concerns-about-the-strategy-681315
[2] Netanyahu: Israel does not want to permanently occupy Gaza. (2025, August 12). Ynet News. [Online]. Available: https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5070271,00.html
[3] Qatar and Egypt pressure Hamas to return to the negotiating table. (2025, August 15). Al Jazeera. [Online]. Available: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/15/qatar-and-egypt-pressure-hamas-to-return-to-the-negotiating-table
[4] Hostages' families oppose further escalation. (2025, August 17). The Times of Israel. [Online]. Available: https://www.timesofisrael.com/hostages-families-oppose-further-escalation/
[5] Media speculate about the tactical value of the announcement of an expansion of the fighting. (2025, August 20). Haaretz. [Online]. Available: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/media-speculate-about-the-tactical-value-of-the-announcement-of-an-expansion-of-the-fighting-1.9096684
- The war-and-conflicts in Gaza are heavily influenced by the politics, with Israeli politicians unveiling a new military strategy on August 8, 2025, that aims to take control of Gaza City by October 7, 2025.
- The general-news is filled with discussions about the ongoing Gaza conflict, including the distribution of humanitarian aid and the international community's reactions to Israel's plans for the territory, which involve controlling the entire Gaza territory as a long-term objective.
