Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly inclined towards taking control of Gaza, according to Israeli television.
Israel is on the brink of a significant military expansion in the Gaza Strip, with the Security Cabinet reportedly set to make a decision imminently regarding a full takeover of the region [1]. This planned operation, which could last up to five months, aims to eliminate the remaining Hamas presence and potentially displace around one million Palestinians.
The move has been met with strong international condemnation, particularly with regards to the potential humanitarian crisis it could precipitate. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has urged an immediate halt to the military takeover, stating that it violates international law and the International Court of Justice ruling calling for an end to Israel's occupation and a two-State solution [2].
The UN chief has warned that such escalation would lead to more massive displacement, widespread suffering, and potential atrocity crimes. Türk also emphasised the urgent need for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Palestinian armed groups, alongside the release of Palestinians detained by Israel, and for humanitarian aid access to be fully allowed into Gaza to save civilian lives amidst the ongoing conflict [2].
The planned expansion and takeover are also strongly condemned by the UAE, UK, France, and 23 other nations, who have criticised Israel over the "inhumane killing" of Gaza civilians [3].
As of early August 2025, Israeli officials report that 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive [4]. This hostage situation has been a point of contention, with over 600 Israeli ex-security chiefs urging President Trump to help end the Gaza war [5].
The ongoing conflict has also resulted in a rising number of child deaths in Gaza, according to a UN-backed monitor [6]. Israeli figures report that Hamas is responsible for the killing of 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages in an attack on October 7, 2023 [2].
In a separate development, a partnership between Beehive and the Direct Debit System has led to $1 billion in digital funding for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) [7].
References:
- Israel on Verge of Deciding on Full Military Takeover of Gaza
- UN Rights Chief Calls for Immediate End to Hostage Crisis in Gaza
- International Condemnation of Israel Over Gaza Killings
- Update on Gaza Hostage Situation
- 600 Israeli Ex-Security Chiefs Urge Trump to End Gaza War
- Rising Number of Child Deaths in Gaza
- Beehive and Direct Debit System Partnership Boosts SME Funding
- The ongoing military expansion in Gaza is causing international concern beyond the region's conflict, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urging an immediate halt to the takeover, citing it as a violation of international law and potentially precipitating a humanitarian crisis.
- With the UN chief warning of mass displacement, widespread suffering, and potential atrocity crimes in Gaza, other nations such as the UAE, UK, France, and 23 others have joined in condemning Israel's planned operation due to the "inhumane killing" of civilians.
- In a noticeable shift from the unsettling news of Gaza, the partnership between Beehive and the Direct Debit System has resulted in a positive development: the provision of $1 billion in digital funding for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), offering a ray of hope amidst the general news landscape.
