Israel has almost entirely militarized over 90% of its territory, with a significant portion also under forced evacuation orders.
In a move that has sparked protests and demonstrations worldwide, the Israeli military has announced plans to take control of Gaza City on Friday. This planned takeover has raised concerns among Palestinians, their supporters, and the international community.
The Israeli military has been increasing its presence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in recent weeks, according to reports. However, as of August 6, 2022, the city of Gaza and its surrounding Palestinian territory were controlled de facto by Hamas, with humanitarian coordination managed accordingly, under significant Israeli restrictions affecting movement, access, and infrastructure.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that as of August 6, only 14% of the Palestinian territory remains unmilitarized by Israel or not under evacuation orders. By August 2025, this figure had shifted significantly, with 86% of the Palestinian territory militarized by Israel or under evacuation orders.
The Palestinian Authority has condemned the planned takeover of Gaza, calling it a violation of international law. The Israeli government has not yet responded to this condemnation. The United Nations has expressed concern over the potential impact of the planned takeover on civilians in Gaza.
The planned takeover of Gaza is expected to have significant implications for the approximately 2 million Palestinians living there. The exact reasons for the planned takeover have not been specified by the Israeli military.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Gaza and the West Bank in light of the planned takeover by the Israeli military. The situation is complex, with a history of political and security challenges posed by Israeli military actions and restrictions.
In 2022, humanitarian activities in Gaza were coordinated with Gaza’s ministries, which were largely under Hamas’s authority despite some nominal Palestinian Authority involvement. Western governments often enforced a "no-contact policy" with Hamas, complicating direct humanitarian engagement but nonetheless the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Social Development in Gaza effectively directed many local operations.
This planned takeover of Gaza City by the Israeli military marks a significant military escalation and is described by the UN Secretary-General as a dangerous escalation, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and civilian suffering in Gaza. The situation remains fluid and is being closely watched by the international community.
The planned takeover of Gaza City by the Israeli military is a matter of general news and politics, raising concerns in the international community about its potential impact on the approximately 2 million Palestinians living there. The Israeli military's planned takeover and the increasing presence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have been reported as part of war-and-conflicts coverage, with the United Nations voicing concern over the potential escalation of the humanitarian crisis.
