Strategic war plans, as revealed by Netanyahu, outline targeted strikes on central refugee camps
The Israeli government has announced plans for a full-scale military takeover of the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas as part of ending the ongoing conflict in the region. However, the specific operational details of this plan, such as military strategies, timelines, or political steps, have not been publicly detailed.
This proposed action has faced strong criticism from the United Nations and its Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, who have called for an immediate halt to the plan. They warn that a complete military takeover could lead to massive forced displacement, widespread killing, unbearable suffering, destruction, and potential atrocity crimes. The plan goes against international law and the International Court of Justice ruling, which emphasises ending occupation and achieving a two-state solution that respects Palestinians' right to self-determination.
Instead of a military takeover, the UN is advocating for Israel to focus on saving civilian lives by allowing full, unfettered humanitarian aid access to Gaza. They also call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Palestinian armed groups and for Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel to be released. The overarching goal is to end the war and enable Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace.
The city of Gaza, with approximately one million Palestinians, is the largest population center in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. If the military takeover were to proceed, it would likely have a significant impact on this densely populated area.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to liberate it from Hamas terrorists. However, the UN's concerns about the potential humanitarian and legal implications of such an action remain.
In related news, Australia has announced its decision to recognise Palestine as a state, which is part of a coordinated global effort to advance a two-state solution. Meanwhile, Israel has rejected criticism from the UN Security Council and has confirmed the death of Al Jazeera's correspondent, Anas al-Sharif, in an Israeli air strike on a tent for journalists in the city of Gaza. The Israeli military stated that al-Sharif had posed as a journalist but led a Hamas terror cell.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, the international community will be closely watching developments and offering their support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
[1] UN News, "UN strongly condemns Israeli plans to escalate war in Gaza, calls for immediate halt," 2025. [2] Reuters, "Israeli military takes control of Gaza Strip, faces UN criticism," 2025.
- The United Nations news report strongly condemns Israel's plans to escalate the war in Gaza, urging an immediate halt to any military takeover due to potential atrocity crimes, massive forced displacement, and widespread suffering.
- In the midst of the ongoing crisis, instead of a military takeover, the UN calls for Israel to prioritize saving civilian lives, allow full humanitarian aid access to Gaza, release all hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians, and work towards a peaceful coexistence, enabling Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side.
