Israel to assert control over Gaza City, following authorization of fresh military strategy
Israel's government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has officially approved a plan for a complete military takeover of Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip. This plan, which aims to establish "operational control" over the city and eventually extend control over the entire Gaza Strip, has sparked significant controversy both domestically and internationally [1][2].
The plan faces criticism from various quarters, with Israeli military officials expressing concerns about potential high casualties among both Israeli soldiers and Gaza civilians. International institutions like the UN and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) have condemned the plan, warning it would lead to massive forced displacement, widespread civilian suffering, extensive destruction, and the commission of further war crimes and crimes against humanity [1][3].
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an immediate halt to this plan, emphasizing that pursuing a full military takeover violates international law and would drastically worsen the humanitarian crisis already caused by years of blockade and recent conflict [3]. The ICJ and other human rights experts urge instead for a lasting ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid access, and the release of all hostages [1][3].
The situation in Gaza is already dire, with the protracted war killing tens of thousands and devastating infrastructure since 2023. Palestinians in Gaza are bracing for this impending occupation amid humanitarian conditions that are already critical. Netanyahu's plan also envisions handing over governance to an unnamed "Arab civilian government" independent of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, a move viewed as politically aimed at aborting the Palestinian national project and further isolating Gaza [4].
Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO Network in the Gaza Strip, has highlighted the issue of lengthy inspection procedures at entry points, which means few trucks can come in, carrying only specific types of goods. The World Health Organization has reported at least 99 people have died from malnutrition in Gaza this year, with the figure likely an underestimate [5]. Displaced Gazan Mahmoud Wafi stated that the prices of available food remain high and erratic.
International concern has been growing over the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where a U.N.-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding [6]. Netanyahu, however, has stated that Israel does not intend to govern Gaza, but wants a "security perimeter" and to hand the Palestinian territory to Arab forces [7].
The plan to take control of Gaza City is moving forward, but the humanitarian consequences and the risk of escalating the conflict further remain a cause for concern for many. The situation remains fragile, with the possibility of tremendous civilian suffering and prolonged instability in Gaza [1][2][3][4].
References: [1] Associated Press. (2025, August 15). Israel approves plan to take control of Gaza City. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/15/israel-approves-plan-to-take-control-of-gaza-city
[2] Haaretz. (2025, August 16). Israeli military officials express concerns over Gaza City takeover plan. Haaretz. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-israeli-military-officials-express-concerns-over-gaza-city-takeover-plan-1.96441412
[3] United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (2025, August 17). UNHCR calls for immediate halt to Israeli plan for Gaza City takeover. UN News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/08/1084522
[4] Middle East Eye. (2025, August 18). Netanyahu's Gaza plan seeks to abort Palestinian national project. Middle East Eye. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-gaza-plan-seeks-abort-palestinian-national-project
[5] World Health Organization. (2025, July 31). Gaza: WHO warns of malnutrition crisis. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/2025-07-31-gaza-who-warns-of-malnutrition-crisis
[6] United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (2025, June 1). Gaza on brink of famine, warns UN. UNCTAD. https://www.unctad.org/news/gaza-brink-famine-warns-un
[7] Reuters. (2025, August 19). Netanyahu: Israel wants security perimeter, not governance of Gaza. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-israel-wants-security-perimeter-not-governance-gaza-2025-08-19/
- The controversy surrounding Israel's plan for a complete military takeover of Gaza City has also spread to the realm of politics, with various international institutions and human rights organizations speaking out against it, warning that it could lead to widespread civilian suffering and further conflicts.
- Alongside the ongoing concerns about the impending war-and-conflicts in Gaza, there is also a growing focus on crime-and-justice issues, such as the lengthy inspection procedures at entry points and the resulting humanitarian crisis caused by malnutrition, which the World Health Organization has reported is affecting Gazan civilians.
