Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced early Friday that the security cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in Israel’s 22-month war with Hamas. The ongoing offensive has already resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread displacement, and a looming famine in the region.
The late-night decision came despite international pressure to end the war and domestic protests over the fate of remaining hostages. Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, reportedly warned that occupying Gaza City could endanger around 20 hostages still alive and further strain military resources.
Netanyahu’s office stated that the military will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones. Despite ongoing bombardments, Gaza City remains one of the few areas not designated as an Israeli buffer zone. A significant ground operation could displace tens of thousands more and disrupt food delivery to the already starving population.
War Toll and Humanitarian Crisis Deepen
Israel’s offensive has displaced most of Gaza’s population, destroyed vast areas, and pushed the territory toward famine. Gaza City remains one of the few areas outside Israeli buffer zones, though repeated bombardments have devastated neighborhoods. However, another major ground operation could displace tens of thousands more and further obstruct food delivery to hunger-stricken civilians.
Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu said Israel intends to control all of Gaza to remove Hamas and secure its borders. He added that Israel plans to hand the territory to Arab forces “that will govern it properly without threatening us.” However, the approved plan stops short of full control, possibly to pressure Hamas into accepting a ceasefire on Israel’s terms.
Hostage Families Voice Anger
Relatives of hostages accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war to appease far-right allies who favor escalation and population relocation. Yehuda Cohen, father of a captive soldier, said Netanyahu is “working only for himself.”
On Thursday, 42 people died, including 13 seeking aid in a military zone in southern Gaza. UN convoys and aid sites have repeatedly seen deadly chaos in recent weeks, with witnesses accusing Israeli forces of firing on crowds, with Israel denying targeting civilians, saying only warning shots were fired.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military offensive has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, though the ministry does not specify how many were fighters or civilians, with the UN and independent experts consider these figures the most reliable estimates.
