FLASH
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Israel's security cabinet is poised to decide on a military operation to take full control of Gaza, a move that could significantly escalate the 22-month conflict in the enclave. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on the plan despite international pressure, opposition from the Israeli military and concerns for the safety of the remaining hostages.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said Israel aims to "remove Hamas" from Gaza and hand over the territory to a civilian government that does not support the destruction of Israel. The plan, which could take up to five months, envisages the displacement of about one million Palestinians from Gaza City and other areas in the south, with the Israeli military setting up complexes to house the displaced. To address the humanitarian crisis, Israel and the US plan to increase the number of aid distribution points from four to 16, operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
The operation is aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas to release the hostages and could be suspended if the militant group returns to negotiations, an Israeli official said. The last talks in Qatar collapsed two weeks ago, with the US and Israel accusing Hamas of negotiating in “bad faith”. Hamas, on the other hand, is demanding more humanitarian aid before resuming talks. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said that the decision on a full occupation of Gaza was up to Israel, giving Netanyahu tacit support.
The Israeli military currently controls about 75% of Gaza, but the new operation would target the few areas left outside its control. However, the head of the Israel Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, warned that such an operation could block the army in Gaza and endanger the lives of hostages. Zamir stressed the need for open debate, saying: "The culture of debate is an inseparable part of our history. We will express our position in a professional and independent manner."
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, from the far right, hailed the operations as an opportunity to restore Jewish settlements in Gaza. During a visit to the West Bank, he declared that Israel "will one day return to every country from which it was expelled."
The hostages' families and the Israeli public are divided. Polls show that most Israelis support stopping the war in exchange for the release of the remaining 50 hostages. The Hostages and Families of the Disappeared Forum has announced protests against the government's plan, while Yehuda Cohen, the father of a hostage, accused Netanyahu of endangering the lives of the prisoners.
Such an operation would make Israel legally responsible for the well-being of Palestinians in Gaza, which is facing a severe humanitarian crisis and famine.
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