Israel authorizes plan to control Gaza City

TEL AVIV,— Israel’s top security body has signed off on a military strategy to take control of Gaza City, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described early Friday as a decisive step against the Hamas militant organization responsible for years of deadly assaults on Israeli civilians.

The plan, approved by Israel’s political-security cabinet, authorizes the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for full control of Gaza’s largest urban center, all while coordinating humanitarian assistance to civilians not directly impacted by combat activity.

“Preparations are underway to assume full operational control of Gaza City,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. “Humanitarian support will be provided for civilians outside combat zones.”

The announcement comes amid sustained international debate over the war’s direction, but also growing calls within Israel for complete dismantlement of Hamas Islamist group following its large-scale attack in October 2023, which left a trail of destruction and human suffering in its wake.

Just one day prior, Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel intends to exert military control over the entire Gaza Strip, though the current plan focuses specifically on Gaza City in the north.

The Prime Minister underscored that while Israel does not aim to permanently govern the area, it is committed to defeating Hamas and securing the return of hostages still held by the militant group.

“We intend to take full military control,” Netanyahu told Fox’s Bill Hemmer, adding that he favors passing off eventual administrative control to Arab partners. “We don’t want to govern it—we want security control. We don’t want to stay.”

Hostages, War Crimes, and Atrocities

The plan’s approval comes in the wake of continued revelations about the horrors inflicted on Israeli civilians by Hamas militants since the war began in October 2023. The initial attack launched by Hamas inside Israeli territory left over 1,000 civilians dead, including women, children, and the elderly.

Disturbing reports and verified footage from the aftermath revealed unspeakable brutality, including the rape and execution of Israeli women, the mass slaughter of families, and the abduction of over 200 hostages—among them infants and elderly citizens.

Hamas released a video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who appears pale, skeletally thin, and shirtless, August 2025. Photo: Hamas video

Roughly 50 hostages remain inside Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that only about 20 are still alive. Many of those released were found severely malnourished and physically abused.

Videos released by Hamas last week showed two hostages in frail and emaciated condition, intensifying global condemnation.

“Hamas is not only holding hostages—they are torturing them,” one senior Israeli official said. “This is not a legitimate resistance movement. These are war criminals.”

Netanyahu’s government has made clear that no ceasefire or future agreement can move forward unless the hostages are returned unconditionally.

Cabinet Tensions and Military Strategy

Reports from inside the cabinet indicate the meeting to approve the Gaza City operation was marked by disagreements. Defense Chief Eyal Zamir reportedly expressed hesitation about expanding the ground campaign further, citing tactical concerns.

Nevertheless, according to officials familiar with the talks, the majority of the security cabinet rejected alternative plans that fell short of military control. They concluded that limited options would neither defeat Hamas nor guarantee the safe return of Israeli hostages.

One source, speaking anonymously, said evacuation orders may be issued in advance to Palestinian civilians in select zones, potentially giving them several weeks before Israeli forces move in.

The cabinet’s decision still requires full government approval, which is expected by Sunday.

Reversing 2005 and Responding to Hamas Power Grab

The upcoming operation would effectively reverse Israel’s 2005 unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, when all Israeli military and civilian presence was removed. That move, at the time framed as a step toward peace, ultimately enabled Hamas to seize power in 2006, following an electoral win and subsequent armed takeover.

Since then, Hamas has governed Gaza with an iron grip, suppressing opposition and prioritizing military buildup over civilian welfare. Critics argue that instead of investing in the future of the Palestinian people, the organization has turned the enclave into a militarized stronghold and political bargaining chip.

In response to Israel’s renewed strategy, Hamas issued a statement calling Netanyahu’s remarks “a blatant coup” against negotiations. The group accused him of using the hostages as political leverage—a charge Israeli officials called absurd given Hamas’s refusal to release captives or agree to any long-term ceasefire.

A senior official from Jordan, speaking to Reuters, said Arab states would only support outcomes aligned with Palestinian consensus. “Gaza’s security should be handled through legitimate Palestinian institutions,” the official said.

However, Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera that any attempt to install an Arab-led force would be considered an “occupying authority” and would be opposed with violence.

Earlier this year, Israel and the United States rejected an Egyptian-proposed administrative plan that would have put Gaza under a neutral team of Palestinian technocrats. That proposal failed to gain traction due to distrust in Hamas’s willingness to cede any control.

Humanitarian Pressure and International Reaction

International criticism of Israel has intensified as images from inside Gaza depict a worsening humanitarian crisis. Aid agencies warn of starvation, medical shortages, and rising civilian casualties.

Armed Hamas militants ride on a speeding aid truck, pointing weapons at civilians as they rush through crowded streets in Gaza. They are stealing the food aid. Gaza, Israel, July 2025. Photo: Video/X/via iKurd.net

Yet Israeli officials continue to accuse Hamas of hijacking aid deliveries, using them to supply their fighters or reselling them for profit.

“The humanitarian crisis is real,” an Israeli spokesperson said, “but it’s a direct result of Hamas’s theft, not Israel’s actions.”

The United Nations has called reports of a new Israeli ground push “deeply alarming,” although many Israeli leaders say such warnings fail to acknowledge the nature of the enemy they face.

Despite diplomatic pressure, public support within Israel remains firm. Polls show a majority of Israelis back further military action if it means eliminating Hamas and freeing the remaining hostages.

(With files from Reuters)