Netanyahu speaks in defense of his debated strategy for Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled a contentious plan that aims for a complete military takeover of Gaza City and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration in the Gaza Strip, neither affiliated with Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. The plan, approved by Israel's cabinet in early August 2025, involves the displacement of up to one million civilians from Gaza City by early October 2025, placing the city under siege, and expanding Israeli operational control with the goal of defeating Hamas and demilitarizing the area.
The plan includes setting up "humanitarian zones" outside Gaza City, establishing additional aid distribution points, and planning a prolonged siege and clearance operation lasting several months. However, the plan has faced skepticism about its military feasibility and strong objections from parts of Israel's military, which predict high Israeli and civilian casualties and warn that this course will benefit Hamas by fueling further conflict.
Domestically, there is notable dissent within Israel's military regarding the plan, reflecting concerns over the humanitarian and operational consequences. Internationally, the plan is widely condemned. The United Nations has expressed grave concern that the takeover and the anticipated mass displacement risk igniting a further disastrous escalation of the conflict and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has strongly criticized the plan, warning it will lead to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and further civilian suffering and destruction, urging Israel to halt the plan and pursue a ceasefire instead.
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a partial halt to arms exports to Israel following the announcement of the Israeli project. Yet, Merz emphasized that Germany continues to stand by Israel's side, but solidarity with Israel does not mean that the federal government approves of every decision made by the Israeli government. The CSU, however, has criticized Merz's decision to halt arms exports to Israel.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Israel on Saturday against the government's plans. The Israeli army has deliberately detonated many buildings with explosives, according to Netanyahu. The destruction and damage are particularly severe in the city of Gaza, Khan Yunis, and parts of Rafah, with over 80 to 90 percent of buildings destroyed or severely damaged, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Netanyahu has instructed the army to allow more foreign journalists access to the Gaza Strip to witness Israeli efforts to provide humanitarian aid. However, it is unclear if Netanyahu's instruction represents a change in the practice. The UN Security Council will discuss Israel's plans to escalate military operations in the Gaza Strip today.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel does not intend to occupy the Gaza Strip, but to establish a civilian administration not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu blamed the destruction in Gaza on Hamas, whose fighters have prepared buildings with explosives. Netanyahu stated that Gaza residents will be seen fighting against Hamas.
The plan to occupy the city of Gaza by the Israeli army is facing sharp international and internal criticism. It remains to be seen how this controversial plan will unfold and what its implications will be for the future of the Gaza Strip and the broader Middle East conflict.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has strongly criticized the proposed plan by Israel's government, warning it will lead to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and further civilian suffering and destruction, urging Israel to halt the plan and pursue a ceasefire instead.
Politics surrounding the Israeli plan to takeover Gaza City have sparked widespread objections domestically and internationally, with the United Nations expressing grave concern and Germany announcing a partial halt to arms exports to Israel.
