Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu pledges to intensify efforts against Hamas, as the fatalities in Gaza continue to rise
In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel's military has initiated a full-scale operation, aiming to take control of Gaza City in northern Gaza. This plan, approved by Israel's State Security Cabinet on August 7, 2025, has raised significant concerns both domestically and internationally.
The operation, which anticipates a large-scale ground offensive, could potentially force the displacement of around one million civilians, causing extensive destruction and resulting in additional war crimes, according to the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly condemned Israel’s plan for a full military takeover, stating that it should be "immediately halted" as it violates international law and will lead to massive forced displacement, killing, and atrocity crimes. The UN calls for an end to hostilities, unfettered humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and the immediate unconditional release of all hostages held by Palestinian groups as well as Palestinians detained by Israel.
The ICJ also calls for a lasting ceasefire to protect civilians and release remaining hostages without delay. Tens of thousands of Israelis have protested in Tel Aviv against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to seize Gaza City.
Amidst this conflict, the Hamas-run Health Ministry reports that the overall war death toll in Gaza has reached 61,400, with about half being women and children. The death toll of children from malnutrition in Gaza due to the conflict has reached 100.
In response to international criticism, Netanyahu defends the plans for a new military push into Gaza, stating that the aim is to "take control" of all the Gaza Strip and later cede control to unspecified Arab forces not aligned with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu's goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to free it, and he dismisses accusations that Israel seeks permanent control of Gaza.
The offensive targets Hamas' last two strongholds in Gaza. However, no immediate comment was made by the Israeli military regarding the seven Palestinians killed in separate airstrikes, including two children. Six others died near the Zikim crossing.
In a personal appeal, Lishay Miran-Lavi, whose husband Omri is among the captives, has urged US President Donald Trump and envoy Steve Witkoff to intervene. Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are urging businesses to join a general strike next week, warning that expanded fighting could endanger their loved ones.
As the conflict continues, Netanyahu describes a "fairly short timetable" for the next steps. However, the international community's calls for peace negotiations, humanitarian aid, and an immediate halt to the offensive remain urgent and unwavering.
References: [1] International Commission of Jurists. (2025). Israel’s plan for a full military takeover of Gaza City. Retrieved from https://www.icj.org/israels-plan-for-a-full-military-takeover-of-gaza-city/ [2] United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. (2025). UN strongly condemns Israel’s plan for a full military takeover of Gaza City. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=26318&LangID=E [3] Associated Press. (2025). Israel to resume delivering tents and shelter supplies to Gaza. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-strip-middle-east-conflict-humanitarian-aid-51094c7e6721d745c85787a90253683e
- The international community, including the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has expressed profound concerns and strong condemnation towards Israel's plans for a military takeover of Gaza City, asserting that such actions violate international law and could lead to extensive humanitarian crises, war crimes, and atrocity crimes.
- Amid the ongoing international business community's operations, families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have appealed for support, urging businesses to join a general strike next week, fearing that an expansion of the conflict could endanger their loved ones.
- In response to the escalating war-and-conflicts and related political tension in Gaza, the Hamas-run Health Ministry has reported alarming death tolls, with over 61,400 total deaths and 100 deaths due to malnutrition among children, highlighting the severe impact on the health of Gaza's civilian population.
