Military leader of Israel voices concerns against a complete conquest of Gaza, according to media reports.
In a critical phase of the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Israeli government is planning to take control of Gaza City by October 7, 2025, as part of a broader strategy towards expanded occupation of the Gaza Strip [1][2]. This strategy involves forcibly evacuating approximately one million residents of Gaza City to southern parts of Gaza over two months, with the aim of disarming Hamas and recovering hostages. However, it falls short of a declaration to fully occupy the entire Gaza Strip at this stage [1].
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, and other officials have expressed strong concerns about this plan. During a tense security cabinet meeting, Zamir reportedly opposed the extensive occupation, warning that it would increase the danger to hostages still held in Gaza, create broader strategic challenges, and possibly entrench Israel in a prolonged conflict or "forever war." The plan also lacks a credible post-occupation governance strategy, only mentioning undefined "security control" and leaving governance arrangements undecided [1].
The humanitarian consequences of this plan are a major point of concern. Forced evacuations risk mass displacement, worsening critical humanitarian conditions amid an already dire situation. International bodies, including the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, have strongly urged Israel to halt this plan, citing violations of international law, the risk of atrocity crimes, and the need for a peaceful two-state solution. They call instead for unimpeded humanitarian aid access and the unconditional release of hostages and detainees [1][3].
The plan's opponents argue that occupying Gaza would be operationally, morally, and economically bad. Opposition leader Yair Lapid recently met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to reconsider the plan [4]. The IDF Chief of Staff also met with Netanyahu to discuss the matter [5].
The latest ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been unsuccessful, and Gazans continue to suffer from a severe lack of food, medicine, and other basic necessities. The UN and international aid organizations insist more food aid must be allowed into Gaza [6].
As of now, the Israeli security cabinet is due to meet on Thursday to discuss the plan. Netanyahu has not publicly commented on reports that he is leaning towards a full occupation of Gaza [7]. The meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed [8].
References:
[1] Haaretz. (2025). Israel to take over Gaza City in 2025, evacuate 1 million residents. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-to-take-over-gaza-city-in-2025-evacuate-1-million-residents-1.9356687
[2] The Times of Israel. (2025). Israel to take over Gaza City in 2025, evacuate 1 million residents. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-to-take-over-gaza-city-in-2025-evacuate-1-million-residents/
[3] Al Jazeera. (2025). UN calls for halt to Israel's plan to take over Gaza City. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/un-calls-halt-israel-plan-take-gaza-city
[4] Ynetnews. (2025). Lapid warns against occupying Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5649630,00.html
[5] Israel Hayom. (2025). IDF chief of staff meets with Netanyahu ahead of Gaza takeover plan. Retrieved from https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/10/06/idf-chief-of-staff-meets-with-netanyahu-ahead-of-gaza-takeover-plan/
[6] Middle East Eye. (2025). Gaza suffers severe food and medicine shortages as Israel blocks aid. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-suffers-severe-food-medicine-shortages-israel-blocks-aid
[7] Haaretz. (2025). Netanyahu still considering full Gaza occupation, despite opposition. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/netanyahu-still-considering-full-gaza-occupation-despite-opposition-1.9356689
[8] The Times of Israel. (2025). Gaza takeover plan meeting postponed. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-takeover-plan-meeting-postponed/
- The international media is extensively covering the Israeli government's plans to take control of Gaza City, including discussions about the potential occupation and forced evacuation of residents, as part of a broader strategy.
- Amidst concerns from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and international bodies such as the United Nations, the political implications of the occupied Gaza City plan extend beyond war-and-conflicts, encompassing humanitarian concerns, morality, and strategic challenges.
- The ongoing news about the Gaza conflict and Israel's plan to occupy Gaza City has sparked significant debate within international politics, with opposition leaders calling for discussions about the matter with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF Chief of Staff expressing their concerns.
