Edith Hejberg
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will fully occupy the Gaza Strip, marking a decisive escalation in the long‑running conflict.
The move includes military operations in areas where hostages are believed to be held.
Message to the Military Leadership
According to Israeli media, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir received a blunt directive from Netanyahu’s office: if he disagreed with the plan, he should resign.
The statement underscores the prime minister’s determination to proceed without internal dissent.
Months of Failed Negotiations
The decision follows months of stop‑start talks in Doha involving Israel, Hamas, and international mediators.
These discussions sought a ceasefire and the release of hostages, but no breakthrough was achieved.
Hamas Shows Starving Hostages
In recent days, Hamas released videos of visibly malnourished hostages, claiming they were suffering from famine in Gaza.
The images sparked renewed urgency among hostage families and intensified calls for action.
Hamas’ Demands for Aid Access
Hamas insists that hundreds of aid trucks loaded with food, water, and medical supplies, must be allowed into Gaza before negotiations can resume.
Israel has resisted this demand, fearing supplies could be diverted to militant use.
Netanyahu’s Hardline Stance
The prime minister’s announcement reflects his refusal to link humanitarian aid directly to hostage talks. Instead, he has opted for military control over the territory, signalling an end to patience with diplomatic delays.
Hostage Families Voice Alarm
Families of the captives warn that a full‑scale occupation could put their loved ones in greater danger.
Some accuse the government of abandoning negotiation efforts in favour of a strategy that risks lives.
Hamas Dismisses the Threat
Hamas publicly downplayed Netanyahu’s statement, calling it “repetitive” and “worthless.”
The militant group insists such threats will not alter its decisions or strategy.
International Concerns Mount
Global leaders and humanitarian groups have voiced deep concern over the escalation.
They fear the move will worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and further derail the fragile prospects for peace.
A Tense New Chapter in the Conflict
With Netanyahu’s order now in place, the Israel‑Hamas conflict enters a volatile phase.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the full occupation brings Israel closer to its objectives or plunges the region into even deeper turmoil.
