Political statement by Netanyahu: "The decisions have been made" or "It's time for the moves to be made."
In the midst of an intense war in the Gaza Strip, Israel is considering a significant escalation in its offensive. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly planning to occupy Gaza City and potentially extend the operation to a full occupation of the entire Gaza Strip[1].
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his intentions to control all of Gaza, with the goal of establishing a security perimeter and eventually handing governance over to Arab forces[1]. However, this plan faces internal opposition within Israel's military leadership, with top generals warning that a prolonged Israeli military occupation could trap Israeli forces in a difficult conflict[1].
The international community, particularly the United Nations, has expressed strong criticism over the potential full military takeover. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate halt to the operation, stating it violates international law and referencing the International Court of Justice's ruling that Israel must end occupation and support a two-state solution allowing Palestinian self-determination[2].
The UN is particularly concerned about the humanitarian implications of a full occupation. They warn that such an action could lead to massive forced displacement, more killing, widespread suffering, destruction, and atrocity crimes[2]. The UN also emphasizes the urgency of allowing unfettered humanitarian aid into Gaza, the release of hostages held by Palestinian groups, and the release of Palestinians detained by Israel. They advocate for ending the war and enabling Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side in peace[2].
The potential full occupation has also sparked outrage following the release of Hamas horror videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages[1]. French President Emmanuel Macron described Hamas as representing "repulsive cruelty, boundless inhumanity," while German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a negotiated ceasefire, emphasizing the release of all hostages as a prerequisite[1].
A letter signed by 550 former Israeli security officials, including former intelligence chiefs, urges US President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Netanyahu to end the Gaza war[1]. The letter states that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel[1]. According to a source in the prime minister's office, Netanyahu has decided to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, including operations in areas where hostages are being held[1].
As Netanyahu convenes his cabinet on Tuesday to make a decision on this matter, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a diplomatic resolution that prioritizes humanitarian access and the safety of all those involved in this conflict.
[1] Haaretz [2] UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the protection of the environment, considering the potential environmental impact of a prolonged military occupation in the Gaza Strip.
The ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip, coupled with decisions in Israeli politics, have sparked concerns in the general-news sphere about the deteriorating human rights situation and increasing tension between Israelis and Palestinians.
