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Netanyahu pushes for full Gaza takeover despite internal divisions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking security cabinet approval for a phased military plan to seize full control of the Gaza Strip, a move that could displace up to one million Palestinians over the next five months. The proposal, reported by Israeli media, includes a military offensive targeting Gaza City and central refugee camps, with plans to push much of the population southward to a designated humanitarian zone in Mawasi.
The operation aims to dismantle Hamas strongholds and pressure the group to release approximately 50 hostages still held in Gaza, of whom only 20 are believed to be alive. However, the plan has sparked internal disagreements within Israel’s leadership.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel's military chief, has expressed concerns about the feasibility of the operation and the risks it poses to the hostages. In a statement on Thursday, Zamir emphasized the army’s commitment to presenting its position "without fear" and underscored the life-and-death stakes involved. Defense Minister Israel Katz, however, stressed that the military must ultimately comply with government directives.
Amid these debates, humanitarian agencies have raised alarms over the worsening crisis in Gaza. A global hunger monitor has described the situation as a "famine scenario," with starvation spreading and children under five dying from hunger-related causes. Restrictions on humanitarian access have compounded the crisis, with the United Nations reporting that 81% of Gaza households are experiencing poor food consumption, a significant increase from earlier this year.
While limited progress has been made—such as increased fuel deliveries and infrastructure repairs—European Union officials warn that unsafe conditions on the ground continue to hinder large-scale humanitarian aid distribution.