Israel’s security cabinet approved an operation to seize control of Gaza City on Friday, marking a significant escalation in the 22-month conflict with Hamas. The decision, championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to “defeat Hamas” but falls short of the complete takeover he previously suggested.
The operation could displace up to one million Palestinians currently living in Gaza City and has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and internationally. Netanyahu stated that Israel would eventually transfer control to “Arab forces that will govern it properly” while giving Gazans “a good life.”
The cabinet set a symbolic October 7 deadline for preparations—marking two years since Hamas’s initial attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 250 abductions. The new plan requires six army divisions, doubling the current Gaza deployment, according to Israeli media.
Israel outlined five conditions for ending the war: disarming Hamas, returning all 50 remaining hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing Israeli security control, and creating an alternative civil administration excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned the decision as leading to “many more disasters,” criticizing it as capitulation to far-right coalition members that contradicts military leadership advice. He warned it would result in hostage deaths, soldier casualties, and cost taxpayers billions.
The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with the UN World Food Programme warning that half a million people are starving. More than 61,000 Palestinians have reportedly died in the conflict, according to Hamas-run health authorities.
International isolation has deepened, with the Netherlands revoking naval component export permits and Turkey condemning the decision. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged immediate reconsideration, warning of increased bloodshed, while maintaining that Hamas must be disarmed and removed from power.
Despite widespread international criticism, Israel retains strong U.S. backing, with President Trump supporting expanded humanitarian operations alongside military advances.
The IDF currently controls approximately 75% of Gaza, having displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Gaza City remains largely untouched by ground forces due to concerns about hostages, with an estimated 20 still alive there.
Polling indicates most Israelis would prefer ending the war with Hamas intact if it meant recovering hostages and reducing military casualties. Military leadership proposed a softer approach, but the cabinet rejected it as insufficient for defeating Hamas or securing hostage returns.
Hostage families protested the decision, arguing it abandons their loved ones while ignoring military warnings and public opinion.
