MWE Correspondent
Israel’s security cabinet has given the green light to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take military control of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the Gaza Strip.
According to a statement released early Friday by Netanyahu’s office, the plan calls for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to secure the city while making provisions for humanitarian assistance to civilians located outside active combat zones.
Two government officials, speaking to Reuters, indicated that the cabinet’s resolution must still be endorsed by the full government cabinet—a meeting that could take place as soon as Sunday.
The proposed operation aims to dismantle remaining Hamas strongholds in northern Gaza, a region that has seen some of the most intense fighting since the conflict reignited in late 2023. Netanyahu stressed that Israel has no intention of maintaining long-term governance over Gaza. Instead, he floated the idea of an Arab-led administration to oversee civilian affairs, though no specific entity has been identified.
Within Israel, the plan has drawn mixed reactions. Some senior military officials have warned that urban combat in Gaza City could significantly endanger the lives of hostages still held by Hamas and extend the duration of the war. Families of the captives have also voiced concerns, fearing that the move could close the door on potential negotiations.
Political opposition leaders have echoed these worries, arguing that the plan could deepen Israel’s international isolation and further inflame regional tensions.
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The announcement has triggered swift responses from the global community. United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the proposed takeover, warning that it could violate international law and urging Israel to halt the operation.
Several of Israel’s allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and France, have expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences. They cautioned that mass displacement and prolonged fighting could worsen an already dire crisis for Gaza’s civilian population.
Gaza City, which before the war was home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, is already grappling with severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. Aid agencies fear that a full-scale military occupation could force close to one million civilians to flee, overwhelming already crowded shelters in the central and southern parts of the enclave.
Local residents, speaking to regional media, expressed both defiance and despair. “I will live here, and I will die here,” one Gaza City resident declared, underscoring the deep-rooted attachment many feel toward their homes despite the dangers.
With the cabinet’s approval secured, the next steps will depend on the full government’s decision and the readiness of the IDF to launch the operation. The coming weeks are expected to bring further diplomatic discussions, potential legal challenges, and preparations for one of the most consequential military actions of the conflict so far.
