In a dramatic intensification of its nearly two-year war on Gaza, Israel&rsquo;s political-security cabinet has approved a long-anticipated plan to occupy Gaza City. The decision unfolds after more than ten hours of deliberations, signaling a fundamental shift in Israel&rsquo;s military approach.
Israel&rsquo;s security cabinet has approved a new operational strategy directing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for taking control of Gaza City, while giving priority to the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians outside active combat areas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel aims to maintain military control over the entire Gaza Strip but insists it has no intention of directly governing the territory. Instead, the plan envisions creating a secure buffer zone before transferring administrative control to yet-unspecified Arab partners.
Within Israel&rsquo;s defense establishment, the proposal has faced significant pushback. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has cautioned that a complete occupation could trigger intensified insurgency, jeopardize the lives of hostages, and impose long-term humanitarian and security strains on Israel.
Alongside the military directive, the cabinet has endorsed five key principles to conclude the conflict:
<ul data-start="1222" data-end="1460">
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1222" data-end="1251">
Full disarmament of Hamas
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1252" data-end="1283">
Safe return of all hostages
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1284" data-end="1321">
Complete demilitarization of Gaza
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1322" data-end="1362">
Continued Israeli security oversight
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1363" data-end="1460">
Establishment of a civilian administration independent of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority
</li>
</ul>
The move has drawn swift international criticism, with humanitarian agencies warning that the plan risks worsening famine conditions and could further isolate Israel diplomatically. Approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with estimates suggesting that only around 20 may still be alive. Military operations are expected to cause mass displacement, potentially affecting up to one million Palestinians as troops advance into urban population centers.
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Israel’s security cabinet approves plan to seize Gaza City, marking major war escalation

Netanyahu Moves to Seize All of Gaza

Israel’s security cabinet approves plan to seize Gaza City, marking major war escalation

August 8, 2025 | 12:03 IST