Preparations underway for a potential new military operation in Gaza, led by Israel
In a dramatic turn of events, Israel's security cabinet has officially announced plans to fully re-occupy Gaza City and expand its occupation of the Gaza Strip. This move, set to begin over the next two months, has raised significant concerns about humanitarian conditions, potential forced displacement, and the lack of a clear solution for Gaza’s governance after occupation.
The Israeli military currently occupies about 75% of Gaza, with the UN estimating 87% as conflict zones or evacuation areas. This re-occupation plan, however, will force the evacuation of Gaza residents, pushing them into a smaller territory.
The plan aims to reassert "security control" over Gaza, but its execution is met with opposition from senior military leaders like IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Zamir warns that the plan will increase risks to the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas and complicate the conflict.
Meanwhile, about 50 Israelis remain captive, with 20 believed to be alive. Hamas recently released footage showing two hostages in poor condition in tunnels. Israeli officials and hostage families oppose the re-occupation plan, fearing it will increase the danger to hostages.
In response to the escalating situation, the Trump administration and some Israeli officials are discussing an "all-for-all" hostage swap approach. This would involve halting military operations, exchanging all remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners, boosting humanitarian aid to Gaza, and setting a timetable for Israeli withdrawal tied to an Arab interim force for security.
The Palestinian Authority and Gaza’s Hamas-run government have responded angrily to the rumored reconquest plan. Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad have released propaganda videos showing emaciated captives. More than 60,933 Palestinians have been killed during the 22-month conflict, and humanitarian agencies have warned that the territory’s 2.4 million people are slipping into a catastrophic famine.
As the world watches, hundreds of retired Israeli security chiefs have written to US President Donald Trump to urge him to convince Netanyahu to end the war. Meanwhile, the families of the 49 remaining hostages are demanding a ceasefire to bring their loved ones home.
In a bid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, Israel will partially reopen private sector trade with Gaza. Private sector deliveries will be paid for by monitored bank transfers and be subject to inspections by the Israeli military. Permitted goods under the new mechanism will include food staples, fruit, vegetables, baby formula, and hygiene products.
As the situation continues to unfold, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure on several fronts. He is expected to meet with security chiefs in Jerusalem to discuss new orders, including the potential re-occupation of Gaza. Israeli media reports suggest that Netanyahu intends to order the re-occupation of Gaza.
Around the world, humanitarians are pushing for a truce to allow in food to the starving. The war plan, designed to destroy Hamas and secure the release of dozens of hostages, is shaping up to be a complex and politically charged conflict that may endanger hostages and worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis without a clear resolution in sight.
The situation is further complicated by several European capitals announcing plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, despite fierce US and Israeli opposition. As the world waits with bated breath, the future of Gaza remains uncertain.
[1] "Israel's Re-Occupation of Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis in the Making." Amnesty International, 5 Aug 2025. Web. 6 Aug 2025.
[2] "Gaza Crisis: Netanyahu's Hostage Swap Plan Sparks Controversy." BBC News, 5 Aug 2025. Web. 6 Aug 2025.
[3] "Global Call for a Ceasefire in Gaza as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens." United Nations, 5 Aug 2025. Web. 6 Aug 2025.
- Despite the Israeli government's plan to re-occupy Gaza City and expand its occupation, concerns about the humanitarian conditions, potential forced displacement, and lack of a clear solution for Gaza's governance remain prevalent. ['politics', 'general-news']
- As the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, business interests are taking a backseat, with hundreds of retired Israeli security chiefs urging US President Donald Trump to convince Netanyahu to end the war. ['politics', 'business']
- The deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to calls for a ceasefire from various humanitarian agencies, amidst rising fears of a catastrophic famine. ['health', 'war-and-conflicts']
