Israeli security cabinet advocates for comprehensive military control over Gaza, aiming to quell ongoing conflict
In a move that has sparked international criticism, Israel's security cabinet has approved a military operation to take control of Gaza City. The operation, if implemented, would require Israel to launch ground operations in the remaining areas of Gaza that have not been destroyed, where most of Gaza's two million population have sought refuge.
The current plan involves taking full military control of Gaza City by placing it under siege, evacuating about a million residents to designated "humanitarian zones," and establishing multiple aid distribution points. However, this plan, authorized by Israel's cabinet in early August 2025, faces skepticism regarding its military feasibility and has reportedly met strong objections from some senior Israeli military officials.
The operation is intended to end the ongoing war in Gaza, which was sparked by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people - mostly civilians - and the abduction of 251 others. Israel's military chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, has warned against occupying Gaza, stating it would endanger the hostages and put further strain on the IDF.
Jordanian officials have stated that Arabs would only support what Palestinians agree and decide on, and that security in Gaza must be done through legitimate Palestinian institutions. Germany has announced that it will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has demanded an immediate halt to the military takeover plan, emphasizing that it violates international law and referencing the International Court of Justice’s ruling that Israel must end its occupation and respect Palestinian self-determination. He warned that further escalation would lead to massive forced displacement, increased deaths, widespread suffering, and atrocity crimes.
The UN has urged Israel instead to facilitate unrestricted humanitarian aid and called for the immediate unconditional release of all hostages held by Palestinian armed groups, along with the release of Palestinians detained by Israel. The UN calls for an end to the war and peaceful coexistence for Israelis and Palestinians.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described the move as "wrong" and urged Israel to reconsider, stating that it will do nothing to bring an end to the conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has stated that the goal is to remove Hamas from Gaza and enable the population to be free of Hamas control.
However, the operation has been criticized by many, including families of hostages being held by Hamas and a top IDF official, who believe that it will put hostages and soldiers in danger. Hamas still holds approximately 50 of those hostages - with 20 believed to be alive - after most of the others were released in ceasefires or other deals.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has stated that there were no violent incidents at or near its sites on Thursday. Yet, at least 42 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shootings across southern Gaza on Thursday, according to local hospitals. At least 13 of those people were seeking aid in an Israeli military zone where UN aid convoys are regularly overwhelmed by desperate crowds and looters.
As the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, it is clear that a peaceful resolution is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all those involved. The international community, including the UN, continues to call for a cessation of hostilities and a return to peaceful coexistence.
The military operation approved by Israel's security cabinet, aimed at taking control of Gaza City, risks escalating war-and-conflicts further in the region. This operation faces skepticism and strong objections from senior Israeli military officials and other global leaders due to concerns about its military feasibility and impact on general-news politics, particularly harm to civilians. The UN and various countries, including Germany and Jordan, have urged Israel to halt the takeover plan, facilitating humanitarian aid instead, and to end the ongoing conflict through peaceful coexistence.
