Israeli Army to 'Take Control' of Gaza City, Says PM Netanyahu

In a major escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the military to “take control” of Gaza City. The decision, announced in a statement on Friday, marks a significant shift in Israel’s strategy as the war in Gaza enters its second year.

According to the statement, the Israeli army will “prepare to take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside combat zones.” The move is framed as part of an effort to “defeat” Hamas and establish long-term security in the region.

The security cabinet, by majority vote, adopted five key principles for concluding the war. These include:

• Disarming Hamas
• The return of all hostages, both living and dead
• The demilitarization of the Gaza Strip
• Israeli security control in the Gaza Strip
• The establishment of an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority

The statement also noted that a majority of security cabinet ministers believed an alternative plan previously submitted would not achieve the defeat of Hamas or the return of the hostages. However, no further details were provided regarding the rejected proposal.

During a meeting with his security cabinet on Thursday, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel plans to take full control of Gaza but emphasized that it does not intend to govern the territory. This statement highlights a strategic focus on security over long-term administration, a position that has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny.

As the war in Gaza enters its second year, the Israeli leader faces mounting pressure from both within and outside the country to broker a truce. The situation in the region has reached a critical point, with over two million people in Gaza teetering on the brink of famine, and the fate of hostages held by Palestinian militants remaining a central issue.

The decision to move towards full control of Gaza City is seen as a bold and controversial step, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations. As the conflict escalates, the world watches closely, awaiting the next moves in this complex and deeply entrenched crisis.