Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel intends to seize full control of the Gaza Strip, sparking international concern. Speaking to Fox News ahead of a critical security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said the move was aimed at eliminating Hamas, ensuring Israel’s security, and eventually handing Gaza over to non-Hamas civilian rule.
Currently, the Israeli military controls nearly 75 per cent of the territory. Netanyahu's proposed plan reportedly begins with capturing Gaza City and displacing its estimated one million residents further south. The second phase would include a major push for humanitarian aid and target central Gaza, especially areas thought to be home to hostages. There appears to be disagreement among Israel's leaders despite Netanyahu's adamant position.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has warned that full occupation could endanger both Israeli troops and the remaining hostages. He proposed a strategy to encircle Hamas positions instead. Nonetheless, the security cabinet is expected to approve Netanyahu's plan. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from international bodies.
A total military takeover might violate international law and have "catastrophic consequences" for civilians, the UN has warned. The plan was referred to as "a huge mistake" by the UK's ambassador to Israeland the WHO reported that nearly 12,000 children under five in Gaza experienced record levels of child malnutrition in July.
The US, which has been mediating ceasefire negotiations, appeared to defer to Israel’s judgment. President Donald Trump said the decision was “up to Israel.” However, humanitarian agencies and rights groups have expressed growing alarm. Médecins Sans Frontières accused Israeli forces of systematic violence around Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid sites, where hundreds of desperate Palestinians have been killed. The IDF denies targeting civilians.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. This marked the start of the ongoing war. The Gaza health ministry, which is run by Hamas, claims that Israel's military campaign has killed at least 61,158 Palestinians in retaliation. Families of hostages worry that increasing military action may put their loved ones who are still in captivity in danger.
