Tel Aviv: Israels security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing conflict within Gaza. The plan, which has faced opposition both domestically and internationally, aims to establish Israeli security control over the city, disarm Hamas, ensure the return of hostages, and set up a new civilian administration.
According to BBC, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated their intention to prepare for a takeover of Gaza City, while simultaneously providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones. The specifics of this aid, including its source and delivery mechanism, remain unclear. The controversial Israel and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has been mentioned as a possible channel, though no confirmation has been made.
The focus on Gaza City, which was the most populous city in the Gaza Strip before the war, has drawn attention due to its strategic importance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously expressed a desire for broader control over Gaza, but the current plan targets only Gaza City. The city is home to approximately one million residents and is strategically surrounded by lands either under IDF control or evacuation orders. This move is viewed by some, including Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega, as a potential first step towards a full-scale takeover of the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu has indicated that while Israel seeks to establish a security perimeter, it does not intend to govern Gaza City. Instead, he mentioned plans to hand over control to "Arab forces," though specifics on who these forces might be remain vague. Speculation suggests possible involvement from Jordanian or Egyptian forces, though these nations have expressed reluctance to support an occupation by Israel.
The timeline for the takeover remains uncertain, with Israeli media suggesting that military operations may not commence immediately, pending civilian evacuations. An "alternative plan" was also presented to Israels cabinet, though details are scarce, and it reportedly lacked the objectives of defeating Hamas or securing abductee returns.
Reactions to the plan have been mixed. Domestically, there is opposition from military officials and hostages' families. Internationally, leaders such as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Palestinian National Initiative President Mustafa Barghouti have criticized the escalation. Turkey and Finland have also condemned the plan, calling for an immediate ceasefire and hostages' release. The UNs human rights chief, Volker Trk, has warned of further humanitarian crises should the conflict continue.
Despite reports suggesting American endorsement of the takeover, there have been conflicting accounts, including reports of a contentious call between US President Donald Trump and Netanyahu, which Trump dismissed as "fake news."