A Pivotal Decision in a Prolonged Conflict
On August 8, 2025, after more than ten hours of intense deliberations, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to occupy Gaza City, marking a substantial escalation in the nearly two-year war between Israel and Hamas. This move represents the first phase in a broader offensive possibly aimed at occupying the entire Gaza Strip.
Strategic Aims and Guiding Principles
The cabinet’s approval centers on a phased military operation led by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The plan envisions evacuating civilians, imposing a siege on remaining Hamas fighters in Gaza City, and initiating a ground assault while attempting to provide humanitarian aid outside combat zones.
Accompanying the decision are five guiding principles for ending the war:
Disarmament of Hamas
Release of all hostages
Demilitarization of Gaza
Israeli security control
Establishment of a civilian administration not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Humanitarian Impact and Risks
The operation could displace up to one million Palestinians, intensifying a humanitarian crisis already exacerbated by famine and conflict-related destruction.
Gaza City has emerged as the last major urban stronghold not under Israeli buffer zones or evacuation orders.
Medical aid groups and the UN have raised alarms about conditions in Gaza, warning that this escalation may further hinder aid delivery and endanger civilians caught between combat zones.
Domestic Opposition and Military Concerns
Significant criticism has emerged within Israel. The IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, voiced strong opposition, arguing the offensive could endanger the lives of hostages still held by Hamas and place an unsustainable burden on Israeli troops.
International Reactions
Global response has been mixed but largely cautious. The United States and the United Nations have responded carefully, stopping short of full endorsement.
Meanwhile, many Arab nations have publicly refused to support the plan.
Netanyahu’s Justification
Netanyahu maintains that while Israel seeks to ensure its security by eliminating Hamas and establishing a security perimeter, it has no intention of permanently governing Gaza. He envisions handing over control to allied Arab forces.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (Axios, The Guardian, and AP News etc.) transparently.]
