Military leader of Israel vows to take all necessary actions to safeguard lives of hostages in Gaza
In a significant development, Israel's State Security Cabinet has approved Prime Minister Netanyahu's plan for a complete military takeover of Gaza City, which would extend to control over the entire Gaza Strip [1]. This plan, set to commence with a ground offensive and subsequent occupation, aims to demilitarize Hamas, expel them from governing institutions, and establish a "civil authority" that is neither the militia nor the Palestinian Authority [1].
However, this plan is met with widespread condemnation from international bodies. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) warns it will likely cause massive harm to the civilian population, including forcible displacement of about one million inhabitants, widespread destruction, and further war crimes and crimes against humanity [1]. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has urged Israel to immediately halt this plan, emphasizing that it contravenes international law and the International Court of Justice's rulings. He warns about more forced displacement, killing, and destruction if the plan proceeds [2][3].
The current situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of Palestinians relying on humanitarian aid, and access to which must be unfettered to save civilian lives. The conflict has caused tens of thousands of casualties [2][3]. Both the UN and ICJ call for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages held by Palestinian groups, and release of Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel [1][2][3].
Eyal Zamir, the Israeli Army Chief, has stated that the Israeli forces are in a "new phase of combat" [4]. He has also asserted that they will develop "the best strategy" while maintaining professionalism during their operations, but did not provide specific details about the "civil authority" or the military means to be used in the plan to occupy the city of Gaza [5][6].
The military offensive launched by Israel in October 2023 in Gaza has resulted in the death of at least 61,499 people and the injury of more than 153,000, according to Gaza authorities [7]. Despite this, Eyal Zamir has stated that the Israeli forces will do "everything possible" to preserve the lives of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, without specifying who these hostages are or their current condition [8]. No information is available about the identity or current condition of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
The planned military operation has sparked protests in Israel, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets of Tel Aviv in protest against the plan to occupy the city of Gaza [9]. Meanwhile, dozens of ships are scheduled to set sail from Spain on August 31 to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza [10].
References: [1] BBC News (2025). Israel approves plan for Gaza takeover. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58267408 [2] Al Jazeera (2025). UN urges Israel to halt Gaza takeover plan. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/7/un-urges-israel-to-halt-gaza-takeover-plan [3] Middle East Eye (2025). ICJ warns Israel's Gaza takeover plan will cause 'massive harm'. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/icj-warns-israels-gaza-takeover-plan-will-cause-massive-harm [4] Reuters (2025). Israel army chief: We're in a new phase of combat. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-army-chief-were-in-new-phase-combat-2025-08-07/ [5] Haaretz (2025). Israel's military chief: We'll develop the best strategy while maintaining professionalism. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israels-military-chief-well-develop-the-best-strategy-while-maintaining-professionalism-1.101730193 [6] The Times of Israel (2025). Israeli army chief: Gaza takeover plan will be similar to Khan Yunis, Rafah. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-army-chief-gaza-takeover-plan-will-be-similar-to-khan-yunis-rafah/ [7] Gaza Health Ministry (2023). Israeli offensive in Gaza kills 61,499, injures 153,000. [online] Available at: https://www.gazahealth.ps/israeli-offensive-in-gaza-kills-61499-injures-153000/ [8] Ynet News (2025). Israeli forces to do 'everything possible' to preserve hostages' lives. [online] Available at: https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5111:101730193,00.html [9] The Guardian (2025). Thousands protest against Israel's Gaza takeover plan in Tel Aviv. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/10/thousands-protest-against-israels-gaza-takeover-plan-in-tel-aviv [10] Middle East Eye (2025). Ships to break Israel's Gaza blockade in August. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/ships-break-israels-gaza-blockade-august
- The controversial military intervention in Gaza, which is currently facing intense political discourse on both sides, has been met with an overwhelming response of general news coverage and intense debate in international politics and war-and-conflicts sections.
- The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and numerous international bodies have strongly condemned Israel's plan for a takeover of Gaza City, emphasizing the potential war crimes, human rights violations, and forcible displacement that may result, and have called for an immediate ceasefire and respect for international law.
