Edith Hejberg
Israel’s security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to seize control of Gaza City.
The move comes amid a devastating humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands already dead, most of Gaza in ruins, and the population facing famine.
A Broader Goal to Control All of Gaza
Before the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu declared his intention to retake the entire Gaza Strip and later hand it over to “friendly Arab forces” opposed to Hamas.
However, the newly announced plan falls short of that ambition, potentially reflecting concerns from Israel’s military leadership.
Top General Warns of Risks to Hostages
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Israel’s chief of staff, reportedly cautioned that a full takeover could endanger the roughly 20 hostages still alive in Gaza.
Families of the captives have also voiced strong opposition, fearing the operation will seal their loved ones’ fate.
A City That Resists Total Control
Gaza City has endured repeated bombardments and raids, yet remains one of the few areas not fully cleared or converted into an Israeli buffer zone.
Militants have regrouped there multiple times, frustrating Israeli efforts to secure the area.
Displacement and Hunger Loom
A large-scale assault on Gaza City could drive tens of thousands from their homes once again, worsening already dire food shortages.
The blockade has crippled aid deliveries, leaving many residents dependent on sporadic humanitarian drops.
Voices From the Ground
Aya Mohammad, 30, who has been displaced several times, described the toll: “Where should we go? We have been displaced and humiliated enough… It means your dignity is wiped out, you become a homeless beggar, searching for food, water and medicine.”
Mounting Palestinian Casualties
On Thursday alone, at least 42 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes and shootings in southern Gaza. Local hospitals reported that 13 of them died while trying to collect aid in an Israeli military zone.
Nearly 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced at least once since the war began.
Netanyahu’s Vision for Gaza’s Future
In a Fox News interview, Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s aim to “take control of all of Gaza” to remove Hamas and ensure security.
He added that Israel does not plan to keep the territory, instead wanting to create a security perimeter before transferring governance to Arab allies.
Death Toll Continues to Rise
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the Israeli offensive has killed at least 61,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians.
Thousands more are believed to be buried under rubble, and indirect consequences of the war have claimed additional lives.
International Access and Reporting Restrictions
Israel continues to block foreign journalists from entering Gaza, while Palestinian reporters have been repeatedly targeted.
Aid agencies, including the UN, face severe restrictions, leaving the humanitarian crisis largely unmonitored by outside observers.
