Israeli Military to ‘Take Control’ of Gaza City, Announces Prime Minister’s Office

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a strategic plan, presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to “take control” of Gaza City as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas. The announcement was made via an official statement from the Prime Minister’s office on Friday.

The plan outlines both military objectives and humanitarian considerations, with the army set to prepare for full operational control of Gaza City while ensuring the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians located outside active combat zones.

Objectives of the Israeli Military Plan

Mounting Pressure for Truce

Almost two years into the conflict in Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing increasing domestic and international pressure to secure a ceasefire and avoid further humanitarian catastrophe. Over two million people in Gaza are at severe risk of famine, and concerns continue to grow about the fate of hostages still held by Palestinian militants.

Speaking to Fox News before the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reiterated that while Israel seeks complete military control of Gaza, it does not intend to remain there long-term:

“We don’t want to keep Gaza. We want to hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it responsibly, without threatening us – and give Gazans a good life. That’s not possible with Hamas.”

Five Principles for Ending the War

The Prime Minister’s office confirmed that the cabinet endorsed the following five principles to conclude the war:

1. Disarmament of Hamas
2. Return of all hostages (living and deceased)
3. Demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip
4. Israeli security control in Gaza
5. Creation of a civil administration not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority

The statement also noted that a significant majority of ministers opposed an alternative proposal which they believed would fail to ensure either the defeat of Hamas or the release of the hostages.

Domestic Unrest and Hostage Concerns

While reports of an expanded Israeli ground offensive circulated, widespread public concern has been expressed over its implications—particularly for the remaining hostages.

During the cabinet meeting, hundreds of protesters gathered near the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem, calling for a ceasefire deal.

“The only way to bring the hostages home is to halt the war and end the suffering of the hostages and all those living through this terrible conflict,” said protester Sharon Kangasa-Cohen.

As of now, 49 of the 251 individuals taken hostage during Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack remain in captivity, with at least 27 presumed dead, according to Israeli military sources.

Military Disagreement and Civilian Suffering

Disputes within the Israeli government have reportedly emerged over the scope of the offensive. Military chief Eyal Zamir is believed to oppose plans for full reoccupation of Gaza. Nonetheless, Defence Minister Israel Katz stated publicly that the military would ultimately follow government directives.

In a public statement, Zamir reaffirmed military independence:

“We will continue to express our position without fear.”

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deteriorate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 99 people have died from malnutrition this year—a figure they believe to be an undercount.

Displaced Gazan resident Mahmoud Wafi lamented the volatile food prices:

“We hope that food will be made available again in normal quantities and at reasonable prices, because we can no longer afford these extremely high and unrealistic costs.”

Though Israel eased some aid restrictions in late July, the UN reports that current aid delivery falls significantly short. Gaza requires at least 600 trucks per day, while current figures show only 70–80 trucks are making it through due to lengthy inspection processes.

Casualty Figures