Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to authorize a complete military takeover of the Gaza Strip, according to multiple Israeli media reports. The move would significantly expand Israel’s operations across the entire territory, including zones where hostages are believed to be held.
Outlets including Channel 12, Ynet, The Jerusalem Post, and i24NEWS cited senior government sources indicating that Netanyahu’s war cabinet is set to formally approve the plan. The development comes as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza approaches the two-year mark.
According to Channel 12’s chief political analyst Amit Sega, a top official from Netanyahu’s office said, “The decision has been made. Hamas won’t release more hostages without total surrender, and we won’t surrender. If we don’t act now, the hostages will starve to death and Gaza will remain under Hamas’s control.”
The Prime Minister’s Office has not issued a public statement on the matter.
International and Domestic Pressure Mounts
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the reported plan and urged global powers to intervene. In a statement, the ministry called on the international community to prevent what it described as a potential escalation, whether the reports reflect actual intentions or are meant to test global reactions.
Netanyahu is under increasing international scrutiny as humanitarian conditions in Gaza deteriorate. Aid agencies and rights groups have raised alarms over widespread malnutrition and restricted access to food and medical supplies. On Monday alone, at least 74 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes, including 36 people reportedly waiting for aid.
At home, Netanyahu faces growing pressure over the fate of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Recent footage showing detainees Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David in poor condition has reignited calls for urgent action.
“We must continue to stand together and fight together to achieve all our war objectives: the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel,” Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting on Monday.
Hamas Response
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan accused Israel of rejecting ceasefire efforts and blamed the Netanyahu government for prolonging the conflict. He also criticized the United States and Western nations for what he called silence in the face of ongoing violence.
Since the start of Israel’s offensive in October 2023, over 60,930 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including more than 18,430 children, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israeli officials say 49 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with 27 believed to be dead.
Netanyahu’s war cabinet is expected to meet Tuesday to finalize decisions regarding Israel’s next steps in Gaza.
Image Source: Google
Image Credit: Respective Owner
