Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take control of Gaza City has been approved by the security cabinet.
According to an announcement from Netanyahu’s office on X, the security cabinet has given the go-ahead to his plan to seize Gaza City. This action could potentially lead to a complete takeover of the territory, despite concerns that it could put hostages held by Hamas at risk.
Netanyahu’s office stated that the ministers approved five conditions for ending the conflict: the disarming of Hamas, the return of all hostages, the demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli security control, and a post-war civilian administration that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Earlier that day, Netanyahu told Fox News his ultimate aim was complete control of Gaza. While Friday’s statement didn’t explicitly mention this, a senior Israeli official told The Times of Israel that the IDF is likely to move into the remaining areas of Gaza after securing the city. Palestinians will supposedly have until October 7, 2025, to leave Gaza City before the IDF begins a ground offensive.
Hamas condemned the plan on Thursday, labeling Netanyahu a war criminal and calling his plan to seize Gaza “an extension of his genocidal and displacement policies.” The group, in a statement reported by Press TV, urged the international community to step in.
The conflict was triggered by Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and 250 people being taken hostage. Approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza. Israel’s response has reportedly killed at least 60,000 people, primarily civilians, over a 21-month period, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry. A tentative three-stage ceasefire was agreed upon in January but fell apart in March. Negotiations have been ongoing since then, without a resolution.
Reports indicate that Israel’s hostage negotiation team cautioned the ministers against approving any action that could disrupt talks with Hamas. Netanyahu is said to have stated that the operation could be halted if Hamas accepts Israel’s demands. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir also voiced opposition to the plan, warning that it would jeopardize the hostages and cause a humanitarian crisis.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced the decision as “a disaster,” cautioning that it would prolong the war, result in more casualties among hostages and soldiers, and trigger a political collapse.
“`