Netanyahu Meets Security Officials as Reports Suggest Israel Considers Full Takeover of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a meeting with senior security officials to discuss the future of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, amid growing speculation that Israel may be considering a full takeover of the region. The move has sparked international concern and intensified calls for a ceasefire to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.

According to reports, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the prime minister held a three-hour 'limited security discussion' with military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, during which various options for continuing the campaign in Gaza were presented. Defence Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close ally of Netanyahu, were also expected to attend the meeting, which was a precursor to a Cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Israeli media, citing an unnamed official from Netanyahu’s office, reported that the prime minister is leaning toward a complete military takeover of Gaza. This would mark a reversal of Israel’s 2005 decision to withdraw from the territory, a move that right-wing factions have long criticized for allowing Hamas to gain influence in the region. However, it remains unclear whether Netanyahu is envisioning a prolonged occupation or a short-term operation aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of Israeli hostages.

The potential full occupation of Gaza has drawn fierce criticism from international humanitarian organizations and governments around the world. The United Nations and other global bodies have repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and to allow for the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to the starving population.

Despite the international pressure, Israel has remained resolute in its stance, with Netanyahu emphasizing the need to 'complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages, and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel.' The prime minister’s office has not confirmed the reports of a potential takeover, but it has stated that the Israeli Defence Forces are prepared to implement any decisions made by the Political-Security Cabinet.

The Israeli military has expressed concerns about the potential strain on its forces, with some high-ranking officers reportedly opposing a full occupation of Gaza. This has created a rift between the military and certain members of the right-wing coalition government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has publicly challenged the military leadership to comply with government directives.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Gaza’s health ministry reported that eight additional people died of starvation or malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll from hunger to 188 since the war began. Another 79 people were killed in the latest Israeli military operations. Israel has disputed these figures but has not released its own data to counter them.

The war, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has left over 61,000 people dead in Gaza, mostly civilians, and has forced nearly two million Palestinians from their homes. The United Nations has described the situation as an 'unfolding famine,' with many calling for urgent international intervention to prevent further suffering.

Amid the crisis, the family of one of the remaining Israeli hostages, Evyatar David, has accused Hamas of deliberately starving their son as part of a propaganda campaign. The video released by Hamas showing David in a weakened state has sparked outrage and renewed calls for the release of the remaining hostages, of whom Israeli officials estimate 20 are still alive.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community faces mounting pressure to find a diplomatic solution to end the violence and address the growing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.