Security Cabinet backs Netanyahu plan despite warnings of hostage risk, humanitarian crisis, and military strain.
Israel's Security Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take over Gaza City early Friday. This decision escalates Israel's 22-month offensive, launched after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. The move risks remaining hostages, strains the military, and worsens Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe, with the city being a rare area not fully controlled or evacuated.
The Cabinet approval, following an overnight meeting, authorizes Israeli forces to seize control of Gaza City, one of the last major areas not under direct Israeli control or evacuation orders. Netanyahu stated the intent is to remove Hamas and eventually hand governance to "friendly Arab forces," aiming for a "security perimeter" but not permanent occupation. "We intend to... remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza," he told Fox News.
However, the plan faces significant opposition. Military Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly warned occupying Gaza City would endanger the estimated 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas and overburden the military after nearly two years of fighting. Relatives of hostages protested outside the Cabinet meeting, fearing escalation dooms their loved ones. "Netanyahu is working only for himself," said Yehuda Cohen, father of a captive soldier, accusing the PM of placating far-right coalition allies seeking mass displacement and settlement rebuilding.
A major ground operation would displace tens of thousands from Gaza City, where many returned during a ceasefire despite earlier evacuation orders. It would severely disrupt aid delivery in a territory where the UN warns 2 million face famine. "There is nothing left to occupy... There is no Gaza left," said displaced Palestinian Maysaa al-Heila.
The offensive has already killed over 61,000 Palestinians (Gaza Health Ministry figure, disputed by Israel but considered reliable by the UN), displaced most Gazans, and caused widespread destruction and hunger. Recent violence includes 42 Palestinians killed Thursday, many near aid distribution points run by the controversial US/Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Doctors Without Borders (MSF) denounced the GHF system as "orchestrated killing," reporting treating 1,380 injuries near its sites in weeks, including gunshot wounds. GHF rejected the accusations.
The war began with Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack, killing ~1,200 Israelis and abducting 251. Israel's subsequent offensive has destroyed much of Gaza. Israel already controls ~75% of the territory. Repeated raids in Gaza City saw militants regroup, prompting the new plan for full takeover. The GHF system was established by the US and Israel as an alternative to UN aid, accusing Hamas of diverting supplies – a claim the UN denies.
The approved plan signifies a major escalation, but implementation details and timing remain unclear, likely involving gradual steps to pressure Hamas. It proceeds despite dire warnings from military leaders, hostage families, and humanitarian agencies about catastrophic consequences for civilians and hostages. International isolation for Israel is expected to deepen as Gaza braces for further devastation.
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