ISRAEL - Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City as part of a broader escalation in the war in Gaza. Gaza City, home to hundreds of thousands,...
is the enclave’s most populous city. The plan has drawn condemnation from several world leaders and warnings from the UN about “massive forced displacement” and increased casualties. Hamas warned of “fierce resistance.” Within Israel, the plan faces opposition from military officials and hostages’ families, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier told Fox News that Israel planned to occupy the entire Gaza Strip and eventually hand it over to Arab forces. The new plan focuses on Gaza City for now. A statement from Netanyahu’s office said the IDF would “prepare for taking control of Gaza City” and outlined five “principles” for ending the war:
The IDF said it would prepare the takeover while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones. It was unclear whether aid would come from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation or another mechanism. Hamas called the approval a new war crime and warned of costly consequences. Reports suggest tensions within the Israeli military about a full takeover. Netanyahu said Israel does not want to govern Gaza and would prefer a security perimeter, but the plan envisions moving to take Gaza City first. Israel currently controls about 75% of Gaza; the UN says much of the territory is in militarised zones or under evacuation orders. Reaction to the plan has been mixed. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the escalation wrong and likely to cause more bloodshed. Germany’s chancellor expressed skepticism about exporting arms that could be used in Gaza. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the move a crime. The UN and human rights bodies warned of dire consequences, including displacement and civilian suffering. The United States has offered more measured criticism, suggesting it is not the primary decision-maker. (BBC)
