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Gaza City: Netanyahu gets green light to take control, despite military warnings

The Israeli security cabinet approves the plan to take control of Gaza City, while the risk to hostages grows and fears of a humanitarian disaster mount. Meanwhile, the prime minister promises to “defeat Hamas” with possible further operations

Israel’s security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to take control of Gaza City, the most densely populated part of the Gaza Strip, on Thursday night. The prime minister’s office announced the decision, in stark contrast to the concerns of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which had warned of serious risks to the lives of the hostages still being held and the possible escalation of a humanitarian emergency.

A few hours before the meeting, Netanyahu had told Fox News that he wanted to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, but the official statement explicitly referred only to Gaza City. The operation is reportedly aimed at “defeating Hamas” and may be only the first in a series of military actions yet to be announced.

For legal reasons, the term “taking control” is used rather than “occupying” Gaza City, but a senior Israeli official has clarified that this distinction is purely formal and that in reality it will be a complete military regime. The offensive will continue until an agreement is reached on the release of the hostages.

Approximately one million Palestinians reside in Gaza City, many of whom have already been displaced several times during the 22 months of conflict. The government’s plan is to evacuate these civilians to the south of the Strip, giving them until October 7, 2025, which coincides with the second anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel.

After that date, the IDF will launch a ground offensive to besiege Gaza City and neutralize the remaining Hamas forces. The army will then advance into other areas of the Strip not yet under Israeli control.

Israel currently controls about 75% of the Gaza Strip, while avoiding entering the central part, where the hostages and most of the population (about 2 million people) are concentrated. Hamas has repeatedly threatened to execute the hostages if Israeli troops approach.

Some analysts suggest that the Israeli government’s announcement may be a strategic move to put pressure on Hamas and encourage a return to the negotiating table on Israel’s terms.

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