Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced Israel’s intention to take control of the Gaza Strip, as ministers prepare to decide on the plan. Netanyahu expressed this intention during a Fox News interview. Hamas warned that this indicates Netanyahu is willing to risk Israeli hostages in Gaza for his interests. The UN cautioned that such a military move could lead to disastrous effects for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages, while the UK’s ambassador to Israel called it “a huge mistake.”
Meanwhile, US ambassador Mike Huckabee stated that it is Israel’s decision to annex Gaza and emphasized that Palestinians should not be forced out, during an interview with CBS. Israeli media reports suggest Netanyahu views taking control of Gaza as essential to defeating Hamas and rescuing hostages after ceasefire discussions failed. However, some military leaders and ministers reportedly oppose this approach.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of continuing a policy of “genocide and displacement.” The group claimed that his actions undermine negotiations and expose his true motives. Israel currently controls about three-quarters of Gaza, with most of the population already displaced. The security cabinet is set to meet Thursday evening.
Before the meeting, in a Fox News interview, Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza to ensure security, eliminate Hamas, and enable civilian governance free of Hamas influence. According to Israeli media, tens of thousands of soldiers would be required for such a takeover, initially focusing on Gaza City and the relocation of its residents.
A second offensive is reportedly planned, along with increased humanitarian aid efforts. Huckabee mentioned plans to enhance aid distribution by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), though the GHF has faced criticism for disorganized operations that pose risks to Palestinians. Hundreds have been killed at GHF sites, with accusations against Israeli forces, but the IDF denies targeting civilians.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemned the GHF’s operations as orchestrated violence, urging Israeli authorities to cease GHF activity and open border crossings for aid. The conflict has led to severe humanitarian issues in Gaza, with high rates of malnutrition reported among children. Netanyahu’s recent decision to take Gaza has heightened tensions with military leaders. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly warned Netanyahu that occupation could further endanger hostages, proposing encircling Hamas strongholds instead.
Despite some concerns, Israeli media expect the security cabinet to back Netanyahu’s plan. UN official Miroslav Jenča informed the Security Council that such a move would breach international law and is deeply concerning. Hostage families fear the repercussions, and US President Donald Trump stated that Israel’s actions regarding Gaza are its decision. The US has mediated indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, but negotiations collapsed recently, with Trump blaming Hamas for the impasse.
The war began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, leaving about 1,200 dead and taking 251 hostages to Gaza. Israel’s military offensive has since resulted in at least 61,158 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry.