Israel’s political-security cabinet approved a plan early Friday to seize control of Gaza City, intensifying its military campaign in the war-torn enclave despite growing international and domestic criticism over the nearly two-year-long conflict.
In a statement released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the government said the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) would prepare to take control of Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban center in the north, while “providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones.”
The move follows Netanyahu’s comments on Thursday that Israel intends to establish full military control over the entire Gaza Strip. However, the plan approved Friday is limited to Gaza City for now.
According to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing an Israeli official, the operation will involve evacuating civilians from the area ahead of a new ground offensive.
When asked in an interview on Fox News Channel whether Israel would seize the entire coastal enclave, Netanyahu replied: “We intend to.” He added that Israel does not plan to govern the territory itself, but instead hopes to hand over control to Arab forces.
“We don’t want to keep it. We want to have a security perimeter. We don’t want to govern it. We don’t want to be there as a governing body,” Netanyahu said.
The decision comes amid reported tensions within the Israeli leadership. Military chief Eyal Zamir had reportedly expressed reservations earlier in the week about expanding operations. One government source told reporters that a phased takeover of areas not yet under IDF control was being considered.
Evacuation notices could be issued to Palestinians in specific areas, potentially giving them weeks before any military action, the source added.
Netanyahu’s office said in its statement that most cabinet members believed an alternative plan under discussion would not “achieve the defeat of Hamas nor the return of the hostages.”
Any resolution by the security cabinet still requires approval by the full cabinet, which is not expected to convene before Sunday, two government sources confirmed.
A full takeover of Gaza would mark a reversal of Israel’s 2005 disengagement, which saw the removal of Israeli settlers and troops from the Strip, though Israel retained control over borders, airspace, and utilities. Right-wing politicians have long blamed the withdrawal for enabling Hamas to win the 2006 Palestinian elections and consolidate power.
It remains unclear whether Netanyahu envisions a short-term military occupation or a prolonged presence. Israeli officials say the goal is to dismantle Hamas and recover Israeli hostages.
Hamas condemned the plan, calling it a “blatant coup” against ongoing negotiations. “Netanyahu’s plans to expand the aggression confirm beyond any doubt that he seeks to get rid of his captives and sacrifice them,” the group said in a statement.
Arab and International Reaction
A Jordanian official told Reuters that Arab states would support only solutions backed by Palestinians, adding that Gaza’s future security must be overseen by “legitimate Palestinian institutions.”
Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera the group would consider any force governing Gaza post-war without its approval as an “occupying” entity tied to Israel.
Earlier this year, Israel and the U.S. rejected an Egyptian proposal, backed by other Arab leaders, to establish a post-war governance committee made up of Palestinian technocrats.
Opinion polls in Israel suggest the public favors ending the war through a deal that would secure the release of remaining hostages.
The White House has yet to comment. Former U.S. President Donald Trump declined to state whether he supports a full Israeli military takeover of Gaza.
Humanitarian Concerns Grow
The United Nations has described reports of a possible military expansion as “deeply alarming.” Israeli human rights groups and international observers have expressed concern over far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition advocating broader territorial control.
There are currently 50 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that 20 are still alive. Most freed hostages were released through diplomatic negotiations, though talks collapsed in July.
A senior Palestinian official said Hamas informed Arab mediators that a significant increase in humanitarian aid could lead to a resumption of talks.
Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its own fighters and financial gain – claims the group denies.
Last week, videos showing two emaciated hostages sparked global outrage. Images of malnourished children have further fueled criticism over deteriorating conditions in Gaza, where Hamas, though weakened, continues to maintain control over fragmented areas.
The militant group insists that any agreement must include a permanent end to hostilities. Israel, however, contends that Hamas has no intention of relinquishing power.
