Israel’s security cabinet has approved a contentious plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to occupy Gaza City and assume full military control of the enclave, Reported. The decision, reached during a marathon overnight meeting, marks a significant escalation in Israel’s war against Hamas.
The approval comes amid growing domestic unrest. Protests erupted in several Israeli cities, including outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, where families of hostages held in Gaza demanded an end to the conflict and accused the government of endangering their loved ones. Demonstrators also attempted a symbolic flotilla toward Gaza to pressure authorities, the report added.
Military officials have reportedly voiced caution over the plan, warning that a full reoccupation of Gaza could drag Israeli forces into prolonged urban combat and hinder efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages, Reported.
Sources familiar with the proposal said the Israeli military plans to move civilians from Gaza City to designated evacuation zones in the south. The plan also calls for setting up additional humanitarian aid distribution centres to support the displaced population, with the number of aid points expected to increase significantly.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. According to the United Nations, acute malnutrition among children has surged, with nearly 12,000 under the age of five affected in July alone. Access to food and medical supplies remains critically restricted, with only sporadic aid deliveries making it into the enclave.
Israel occupied Gaza after the 1967 war but withdrew unilaterally in 2005. Since hostilities with Hamas reignited in 2023, Israeli forces have gradually regained control over large parts of the territory. The move raises questions about whether this could lead to a long-term military presence in Gaza, as uncertainty persists over post-conflict governance and the future of more than a million displaced residents. (Agencies)
