Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to take military control of Gaza City, marking a major escalation in the 22-month war against Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the goal is to “defeat Hamas” and “liberate” Gaza’s population, while not intending to govern the territory long-term.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will prepare for ground operations in Gaza City, which has largely avoided full occupation until now.
Gaza City is densely populated and symbolically central to Palestinian identity, making this move both logistically complex and politically charged.
Guerrilla-style warfare is expected due to the city’s narrow streets and Hamas’s entrenched presence.
Israel says it will distribute humanitarian aid outside combat zones during the operation.
The cabinet endorsed five principles for ending the war, including:
- Disarming Hamas
2. Returning all hostages
3. Demilitarizing Gaza
4. Maintaining Israeli security control
5. Establishing a new civil administration—neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority
Aid groups warn of mass displacement and worsening famine, with Gaza City already hosting hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians.
Families of hostages and some Israeli officials fear the move could endanger remaining hostages and deepen Israel’s international isolation.
Netanyahu suggested Gaza could eventually be governed by a coalition of “Arab forces,” though no concrete plan has been presented.
(source npr.org)
—Agencies
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