Tel Aviv: In a dramatic escalation of the war in Gaza, the Israeli Security Cabinet has officially approved a strategic plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seize control of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the northern Gaza Strip. The announcement marks a turning point in the months-long conflict, underscoring Israel's intent to tighten its grip on the Hamas-controlled enclave through military force.
Netanyahu’s office released a statement late Wednesday confirming that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been directed to initiate preparations for the capture and control of Gaza City. The plan, according to the government, includes provisions for facilitating humanitarian aid to civilians located outside active combat zones. However, the move has already drawn significant international concern due to the potential for heightened casualties and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This decision aligns with Netanyahu's recent remarks where he emphasized that Israel does not intend to govern Gaza post-conflict but aims to create a security buffer zone to neutralize threats. “Our goal is not occupation, but protection. Gaza must no longer be a launchpad for terror,” Netanyahu reiterated during a televised address earlier this week.
Alongside the military plan, the Israeli government has laid out five firm conditions that it insists must be fulfilled for any cessation of hostilities. These are: the complete disarmament of Hamas, the safe return of all hostages still held in Gaza, full demilitarization of the territory, the establishment of long-term Israeli security control in strategic areas, and the formation of a new governance system for Gaza excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
These conditions reflect a hardline approach, indicating that Israel is unwilling to enter into a ceasefire or negotiation without total compliance. While the government sees these as non-negotiable steps toward ensuring lasting peace and security, critics argue they are unrealistic and risk prolonging the war indefinitely. Furthermore, calls from global human rights organizations and foreign governments have urged Israel to seek diplomatic channels instead of escalating military aggression.
Domestically, pressure is also mounting on the Israeli leadership. Mass protests have erupted across cities, with families of hostages and thousands of demonstrators demanding a swift resolution to the crisis and the safe return of loved ones. Current intelligence assessments suggest that about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, but the number of survivors is estimated to be just around 20.
Gaza, meanwhile, remains engulfed in destruction. The intensification of air and ground assaults has displaced tens of thousands of civilians, collapsed medical infrastructure, and led to severe shortages of essential supplies including food, water, and medicine.
As Israel moves forward with the implementation of its controversial strategy, the region stands at the edge of a broader catastrophe. While Netanyahu’s administration insists the takeover is a step toward stability, critics warn that it may entrench divisions further and deepen the suffering of civilians on both sides. The coming days will likely determine whether this operation becomes the final blow to Hamas or the spark of an even greater regional conflagration.