Netanyahu's military strategy targets refugee settlements
Israel has unveiled a bold new war plan, aiming to defeat and disarm Hamas, release all hostages held by the militant group, demilitarize the Gaza Strip, and establish Israeli security control over the region. The Israeli Defense Forces are preparing for a significant operation, with Gaza City as the primary target.
According to reports, up to 800,000 civilians may be displaced from Gaza City by October 7, 2025, as the city is surrounded for approximately three months. Following this, the Israeli military aims to spend an additional two months seizing control of the central refugee camps in Gaza to clear all Palestinian armed groups from the area.
The plan, if executed, would mark a considerable escalation in the ongoing conflict, potentially triggering a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. UN officials have warned of "another horrific chapter" if the operation proceeds as planned.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the war as a "liberation from the terror regime" of Hamas, denying any intention of permanent occupation. However, the plan clearly seeks a complete military victory and security control in Gaza.
The General Staff is expected to approve the "basic concepts" for the operation against Gaza City by the end of the week. However, there are reports of skepticism within the ranks, with Army Chief Eyal Zamir expressing reservations about the plan.
Critics, including relatives of the hostages, fear that the operation could endanger the lives of the captives. The city of Gaza, with approximately one million Palestinians living in close quarters, stands as the largest population center in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
The operation follows failed ceasefire attempts earlier in 2025, including hostage exchanges and peace proposals that ultimately broke down, leading to resumed full-scale combat operations by Israel. Several European states have condemned Israel's plans to escalate the war during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Meanwhile, Israel has confirmed the death of Anas al-Sheikh, a journalist in Gaza, in an Israeli air strike. However, Al-Jazeera claims that Israel has not presented any verified documents from independent international sources to support the claim that he led a Hamas terror cell.
The war plan also includes the destruction of Hamas in the central refugee camps of the Gaza Strip. Preparations for the operation are reportedly underway, with the call-up of hundreds of thousands of reservists and the repair or replacement of worn-out military equipment required.
Initially, the civilian population will be allowed to leave the combat zones and move to "safe zones," where they will receive sufficient food, water, and medical care. The last 50 hostages believed to be in Hamas's control are thought to be in these areas, with Israeli estimates suggesting that 20 of them are still alive.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has discussed Israel's plans to control the remaining Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip with US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Australia has announced that it will recognise Palestine as a state, following France and Canada.
This developing story is a cause for concern globally, with potential repercussions for regional stability and humanitarian crises. As more information becomes available, we will continue to update this report.
- The escalating war plan proposed by Israel against Hamas in Gaza, which includes the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the establishment of Israeli security control, has been met with skepticism within the Israeli Defense Forces, especially from Army Chief Eyal Zamir.
- The war plan, if executed, would not only significantly impact general news but also war-and-conflicts and politics, potentially leading to a humanitarian crisis, regional instability, and diplomatic consequences, as demonstrated by the criticism from several European states and the announcement of Australia recognizing Palestine as a state.
