Israel’s Security Cabinet has greenlit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial plan to seize control of Gaza City, according to an announcement posted on his official X account Friday. The decision, described by critics as a step toward a full-scale military occupation of the enclave, comes amid warnings that it risks escalating regional tensions and imperiling hostages held by Hamas since October 2023.
The approved proposal outlines five conditions to conclude the ongoing conflict: complete disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, Gaza’s demilitarization, indefinite Israeli security oversight, and establishment of a post-war civil administration that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Hours before the announcement, Netanyahu reiterated in a Fox News interview that his “ultimate goal” remains full Israeli control over Gaza. While the cabinet’s statement did not explicitly mention occupation, a senior official told The Times of Israel that military operations would likely expand beyond Gaza City following its capture. Palestinian residents have reportedly been given until October 7, 2025, to evacuate the city ahead of an anticipated ground offensive.
Hamas condemned the move Thursday, labeling Netanyahu a “war criminal” and accusing Israel of pursuing “genocidal and displacement policies” in a statement quoted by Iran’s Press TV. The group called for international intervention, heightening fears of prolonged violence.
The conflict, now in its 21st month, traces back to Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage. Israeli counterstrikes have since resulted in at least 60,000 casualties, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. A short-lived ceasefire brokered in January collapsed in March, with stalled negotiations failing to yield a durable truce.
Israel’s hostage negotiation team reportedly urged cabinet ministers to reject the plan, arguing it could derail diplomatic efforts. Opposition leader Yair Lapid branded the decision “a disaster,” predicting increased military and civilian casualties, prolonged conflict, and political destabilization. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir similarly warned the operation jeopardizes hostages’ safety and risks worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, already described by UN officials as “unthinkable.”
Netanyahu has indicated flexibility, stating military action could be halted if Hamas accepts Israel’s terms. Meanwhile, the IDF emphasized plans to provide humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones during operations. The move raises urgent questions about Gaza’s governance and the feasibility of postwar stability as global calls intensify for renewed diplomacy.
