Israel’s political-security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to seize control of Gaza City, marking a major step in the country’s ongoing military campaign.
The decision, announced late Thursday, will see the IDF move into the heart of the coastal enclave in a bid to dismantle Hamas’s operations. Officials said the plan includes evacuating up to one million residents before launching a full-scale ground offensive. Humanitarian corridors are expected to be set up to allow civilians to leave the area before fighting intensifies.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli control of Gaza City would be temporary, with the goal of eliminating Hamas’s military presence, securing the release of hostages, and eventually handing governance over to non-Hamas Arab authorities.
The plan has faced strong pushback within Israel. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly opposed the move, warning it could jeopardize the safety of hostages still held in Gaza. Opposition leader Yair Lapid and several families of hostages have also voiced criticism, calling the decision reckless.
International reaction was swift. The United Nations condemned the move, warning of an escalating humanitarian crisis. Germany announced it would halt arms exports to Israel, while leaders from the United Kingdom, Australia, Turkey, and several European Union countries urged restraint and called for renewed diplomatic efforts.
The timing of the planned assault is expected to coincide with the anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, a date many believe carries symbolic weight. The operation is now set to shape the next chapter of the conflict, with both domestic and global scrutiny focused on the days ahead.