Edith Hejberg
Currently, Israeli forces reportedly hold about 75% of the territory, much of which has been heavily damaged during the ongoing conflict.
According to Israeli media, the country’s military estimates it would take roughly six months to seize full control of the Gaza Strip. The assessment comes ahead of a possible decision by the Israeli Security Cabinet, expected later Thursday.
Gaza’s Civilian Toll Mounts as Strikes Continue
Images emerging from areas like Nuseirat in central Gaza reveal the extensive damage inflicted by overnight Israeli airstrikes.
With a population of around two million people, Gaza’s infrastructure and civilian life continue to suffer amid escalating military operations and the collapse of ceasefire talks.
Netanyahu Pushes for Full Gaza Takeover
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly leaning toward a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip following the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations and stalled hostage release efforts.
His stance suggests a decisive shift toward military resolution despite mounting concerns from within Israel’s leadership.
Military Leaders Warn of High Costs
Israel’s military leadership has voiced serious reservations about launching a full-scale occupation of Gaza.
Officials caution that pushing further into densely populated areas like Gaza City and surrounding refugee camps could lead to significant military casualties and heighten the risks for hostages still held by Hamas.
Humanitarian Crisis Could Deepen
Opposition leaders and military figures alike are warning that a full takeover would further exacerbate the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in Gaza.
With civilians facing food shortages, medical crises, and ongoing bombardments, such an operation could drastically worsen conditions for the population.
An Alternative Strategy: Siege and Strikes
Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly favors a different approach. Rather than a full occupation, he supports isolating remaining Hamas strongholds through blockades, while using targeted airstrikes and special forces raids to eliminate fighters from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Security Cabinet Faces Pivotal Decision
As pressure mounts from various factions, Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to weigh its options.
Whether a final decision will be reached during Thursday’s meeting remains unclear, with high-stakes implications hanging in the balance.
Far-Right Ministers Push for Radical Measures
Beyond the battlefield strategy, political tensions within Israel are intensifying.
Far-right members of Netanyahu’s government are reportedly pushing for resettlement plans that would involve the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.
Hostage Dilemma Remains Central
The fate of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas remains a central issue.
Military leaders fear that a more aggressive campaign could put those lives at greater risk, complicating Israel’s strategic and moral calculus in the conflict.
International Eyes on Israel’s Next Move
With the global community closely monitoring developments, Israel’s next steps in Gaza could have far-reaching consequences.
From diplomatic fallout to regional stability, the decisions made in the coming hours will likely shape the conflict’s trajectory for months to come.
