Israel Plans to Assume Authority over Gaza City, Following Approval of New Military Strategy
In a move that has sparked widespread criticism and concern, Israel has announced plans for a military takeover of Gaza City. The operation, aimed at disarming Hamas, retrieving hostages, and demilitarizing Gaza, could displace up to 800,000 civilians by early October 2025 [2][3][5].
The implications of this plan are severe. The forcible displacement of nearly one million civilians risks causing massive humanitarian suffering and exacerbating a grave humanitarian catastrophe [1][2][3]. The ground offensive and occupation also risk committing additional war crimes and crimes against humanity due to forced transfers and civilian casualties [3].
The plan’s military focus may endanger the remaining hostages held by Hamas, with some Israeli security officials fearing their lives will be at risk during operations [4]. The UN and other actors demand their immediate and unconditional release from Palestinian armed groups [1][2][3].
There is skepticism about the plan’s ultimate goals and exit strategy, as it may lead to a long-term Israeli occupation with an ongoing insurgency, rather than a quick resolution [4]. International bodies, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Commission of Jurists, have called for the plan to be halted, warning that it violates international law and worsens civilian suffering. They urge a ceasefire, protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and hostage release instead [1][2][3].
The decision for this military action comes after nearly two years of war in Gaza and mounting pressure for a truce. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced the cabinet's decision, predicting it would lead to the death of hostages, the killing of soldiers, high costs, and diplomatic bankruptcy [6].
The Israeli army currently controls 75% of the Gaza Strip, mainly from its positions along the border. However, Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO Network in the Gaza Strip, stated that lengthy inspection procedures at entry points mean few trucks can come in, carrying only specific types of goods [7].
Rumors were rife in the Israeli press about disagreements over the plan between the cabinet and military chief Eyal Zamir, who was said to oppose fully occupying Gaza [8]. The security cabinet adopted five principles aimed at ending the war, including disarming Hamas, returning hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control, and establishing an alternative civil administration [9].
The World Health Organization has reported that at least 99 people have died from malnutrition in Gaza this year, with the figure likely an underestimate [10]. Israel partially eased restrictions on aid entering Gaza in late July, but the United Nations states that the amount allowed into the territory remains insufficient [11].
Netanyahu stated that Israel does not intend to govern Gaza but wants a security perimeter and to hand the Palestinian territory to Arab forces [12]. Ahmad Salem, a resident of Gaza, expressed fear over what an expansion of Israeli operations would entail, stating that ground operations mean more destruction and death [13].
The 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The UN estimates that Gaza needs at least 600 trucks of aid per day to meet residents' basic needs [14]. Israel's offensive has killed at least 61,258 Palestinians, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry [15].
International concern has been growing over the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where a UN-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding. Displaced Gazan Mahmoud Wafi stated that the prices of available food remain high and erratic, and that they can no longer afford the extremely high and unrealistic costs [16].
Sharon Kangasa-Cohen, a protester, stated that the only way to bring the hostages home is to halt the war and end the suffering of the hostages and all those living through the conflict [17]. The Israeli military will take control of Gaza City, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office [18].
- The international community is urging a different course of action in the escalating crisis, advocating for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and hostage release, rather than instigating more war-and-conflicts that could intensify the humanitarian crisis, as demonstrated by the further displacement of 800,000 people in Gaza City [1][2][3].
- As the situation in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation discussions arising in the realm of politics revolve around alternatives to military action, focusing instead on diplomacy, negotiation, and upholding international law to mitigate human suffering and prevent further general-news reports of atrocities and human rights violations [6][9][16][17].
