On Thursday, Israel’s security cabinet convenes to deliberate the potential decision for a complete military takeover of the Gaza Strip, a course of action that the United Nations warns could lead to “catastrophic consequences.”
Reports from Israeli media indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views this as the sole strategy to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages currently in the group’s custody, following the collapse of ceasefire negotiations.
Reports indicate a division among top military officials and certain ministers, with concerns raised that such a decision could have catastrophic consequences for both the hostages and Palestinian civilians.
Miroslav Jenča, a senior official at the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council earlier this week, stating that the situation would contravene international law and described it as a “deeply alarming” prospect.
The Israeli military is reported to control approximately 75% of Gaza at this time. A significant portion of Gaza’s population has been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, and further dislocation is anticipated if the military advances into the remaining territories.
The security cabinet, comprised of senior government ministers, is set to convene at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Thursday.
Israeli media reports indicate that a deployment of tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers would be necessary for a takeover of Gaza.
According to reports, the strategy primarily aims to establish complete control over Gaza City, with plans to move its one million inhabitants further south. Forces are set to assume control over refugee camps located in central Gaza, as well as regions where hostages are believed to be detained.
Sources indicate that a subsequent offensive is expected to occur weeks later, coinciding with an increase in humanitarian assistance.
US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee informed Fox News that there will be a notable increase in the number of distribution sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is supported by both Israel and the United States.
The GHF faces significant backlash from the UN and various aid organisations, which have condemned its operations as chaotic. Critics argue that it compels hungry Palestinians to undertake lengthy journeys under dangerous circumstances in search of food.
Since its inception in May, GHF has been linked to the deaths of hundreds, with incidents occurring in or around its four operational sites. According to the Hamas-run health ministry and various witnesses, Israeli forces have been accused of responsibility for the incident. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has refuted allegations of targeting civilians, asserting that soldiers have utilised warning shots to manage crowds or in reaction to perceived threats.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with UN-backed experts warning that the region is on the brink of famine regarding food availability. The area is currently facing widespread deprivation due to stringent restrictions enforced by Israel regarding the entry of goods and resources, a measure it claims is intended to undermine Hamas.
Recent reports indicate that Netanyahu has decided the conquest of Gaza, a move that has heightened tensions with military leaders.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly cautioned that taking control of Gaza could trap troops and pose additional risks to the hostages. Reports indicate that he has proposed an alternative strategy that focuses on encircling the remaining Hamas strongholds instead of pursuing a full occupation.
Reports from Israeli media indicate that, despite certain reservations, the security cabinet is likely to endorse Netanyahu’s proposal.
Families of hostages have expressed deep concern, apprehensive that such an action might lead to their loved ones being harmed.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump stated that the decision to take control of Gaza rests “really up to Israel.” For several months, the United States has been engaged in mediating indirect ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas; however, these negotiations came to a halt two weeks ago.
The conflict erupted following a Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 people, who were taken back to Gaza as hostages. In a significant military response, Israel has initiated an extensive offensive that, according to Gaza’s health ministry, has resulted in the deaths of at least 61,158 Palestinians.
