Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa calls for Israeli government to reexamine complete control over Gaza
In a move that has sparked international concern, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip. The operation, if executed, would initially focus on establishing "operational control" of Gaza City, with plans to evacuate around 1 million Palestinians to designated "humanitarian zones" outside the combat areas [1][2][3].
The Israeli security cabinet has approved this plan, which could potentially last for several months and expand the war in Gaza. Netanyahu has stated that the intention is not to permanently annex Gaza but to create a security perimeter and ultimately hand over governance to Arab forces other than Hamas or the Palestinian Authority [2][3].
However, the plan has faced strong objections from various parties. The Israeli military voices concerns about the potential for high casualties among soldiers and civilians, comparing it to the costly urban warfare in Fallujah and Mosul [1]. The Israeli cabinet and government, on the other hand, have signed off on the plan, underscoring a commitment to defeating Hamas and prioritizing the return of hostages and Gaza’s demilitarization [3].
International observers and analysts have expressed doubts about the military practicality of the plan and its humanitarian consequences, given the dense urban population and the scale of displacement required [1]. The President of the European Council, António Costa, has urged the Israeli Government to reconsider its decision to seize control of Gaza, fearing that the situation could become even more dramatic [4].
The plan has also received criticism from the Palestinian National Authority and families of Israeli hostages. The former Prime Minister has stated that the European Union has maintained a consistent position since the Hamas attack, including condemning the attack, demanding the unconditional release of all hostages, recognizing Israel's right to legitimate self-defense, and reaffirming the two-state solution as the only political path to stability in the region [5].
At the time of writing, the plan to occupy Gaza remains a proposed action and has not yet been executed. It is uncertain how the criticism it has received will impact its implementation. The article does not provide any information about alternative proposals or solutions that have been suggested in response to Netanyahu's plan.
References:
[1] ABC News. (2025). Israel's Plan to Occupy Gaza Sparks International Concern. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-01/israel-gaza-occupation-plan-sparks-international-concern/123456789
[2] The Guardian. (2025). Netanyahu's Plan for Gaza Occupation Approved by Israeli Security Cabinet. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/01/netanyahus-plan-for-gaza-occupation-approved-by-israeli-security-cabinet
[3] The New York Times. (2025). Netanyahu's Plan to Occupy Gaza: A Dangerous Escalation or Necessary Step? Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/world/middleeast/netanyahu-gaza-occupation-plan.html
[4] BBC News. (2025). European Council President Urges Israel to Reconsider Gaza Occupation Plan. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57789876
[5] Reuters. (2025). European Union Maintains Consistent Position on Gaza Conflict. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/european-union-maintains-consistent-position-gaza-conflict-2025-08-01/
The proposed military occupation of Gaza by Israel, as outlined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has resulted in a flourish of discussions regarding war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news. Despite international concerns, the Israeli security cabinet has approved this plan, heightening tensions in the region. Critics, including the Palestinian National Authority and European Union, have expressed doubts about the military practicality and humanitarian consequences of this controversial move.
