Netanyahu mulls annexation of entire Gaza Strip, according to reports
The Israeli military is preparing for a significant military offensive to take control of the entire Gaza Strip, a move that would see the coastal region under Israeli control for approximately 75%, roughly the size of Munich [1]. This decision comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the operation's aim to eliminate Hamas [1].
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are expected to launch this operation in central Gaza, including Gaza City, which could last several months and result in displacing around one million Palestinian civilians [1]. The offensive aims also include searching areas where hostages are believed to be held, raising significant concerns for their safety [1].
The planned military operation faces opposition both domestically and internationally. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in response to recent Hamas propaganda videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages [2]. These videos depict hostages like Evyatar David seemingly digging his own grave in a narrow tunnel and Rom Braslavski watching news videos about the Palestinian hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip [1].
Internationally, opposition comes from humanitarian concerns, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressing shock and outrage over the footage, with Macron describing Hamas as representing "abominable cruelty, boundless inhumanity" [3]. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also emphasized the need for a negotiated ceasefire and the release of all hostages as a prerequisite [4].
Several top Israeli generals and senior security officials have also expressed objection to the offensive, citing concerns about the elimination of all Hamas tunnels and bunkers, potential danger to hostages, and the time it could take [5]. Despite these objections and global pressure for de-escalation and humanitarian prioritization, the Israeli Security Cabinet is set to approve this plan [1].
The operation's long-term goal is not to retain Gaza permanently but to establish a "security perimeter" and eventually hand governance over to Arab forces capable of managing the area properly [1]. However, the nature and stability of this transition remain uncertain, potentially deepening regional instability and worsening living conditions for Gaza’s population [1].
The Israeli military has previously spoken out against a complete occupation of the Gaza Strip due to the risks involved [5]. The group of 550 former Israeli security officials, including former intelligence chiefs, have also called on US President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Netanyahu to end the Gaza war [6].
As the situation unfolds, a decision from the Israeli cabinet is imminent, with Netanyahu reportedly convening his cabinet on Tuesday to make a decision on the matter [7]. The developments mark a significant escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with broad implications for regional security and humanitarian conditions.
References: [1] ynetnews.com [2] The Jerusalem Post [3] France 24 [4] Deutsche Welle [5] Haaretz [6] CNN [7] Times of Israel
- Amidst growing opposition from both domestic and international sources, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and a group of 550 former Israeli security officials, the Israeli Security Cabinet is set to make a decision on the military offensive in Gaza, despite concerns about potential risks to hostages and regional instability.
- The Israeli military's planned military operation in Gaza, which aims to eliminate Hamas and establish a "security perimeter," has sparked further political debates on war-and-conflicts in general-news, with some calling for a negotiated ceasefire and the protection of the environment, as opposed to a complete takeover of the region.
