Tel Aviv, August 8, 2025 — In a major escalation, Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a strategic plan to seize full control of Gaza City. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel aims to dismantle Hamas and eventually hand over administration to friendly Arab forces.
Netanyahu Declares Full Gaza Takeover Objective
Speaking on August 7, Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel intends to take control of all of Gaza to eliminate Hamas. “We want to assure our security, remove Hamas, and enable freedom for the population,” he said.
However, he emphasized that Israel does not plan to permanently occupy the region. Instead, the plan includes creating a “security perimeter” and transferring governance to Arab partners aligned with Israel’s security interests.
Security Cabinet’s Decision Fuels Concerns
Israeli media reported that the Cabinet meeting began Thursday night and extended into early Friday. The move signals a broader military campaign that could endanger both civilians and the remaining hostages.
Families of hostages protested outside the meeting in Jerusalem, fearing the new operation could worsen their loved ones’ chances of survival. About 20 hostages are still believed to be alive in Gaza.
Image credit: Getty Images
Military and Humanitarian Toll Rises
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. The UN and international experts consider these figures credible, even though Israel has not released its own official toll.
On Thursday alone, 42 Palestinians were reported killed in southern Gaza. Most of the territory is in ruins. Displaced civilians, many living in tent camps, describe their surroundings as “a wasteland.”
“There is no Gaza left,” said Maysaa al-Heila, a woman residing in a southern displacement camp. “There is nothing left to occupy.”
Hostage Families and Critics Speak Out
Hostage families, including Yehuda Cohen, father of a captured Israeli soldier, accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict for political gains. “He’s working only for himself,” Cohen said during a sea protest near the maritime border with Gaza.
Military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir also warned against full occupation. He argued it could endanger Israeli troops, increase hostage risk, and overstretch military resources already strained after 22 months of war.
U.S. and UN Monitor Crisis Closely
The United States, while Israel’s ally, has expressed concerns. Washington is sending envoys to evaluate the humanitarian situation, which continues to worsen. UN convoys are overwhelmed by desperate crowds, many of whom have been fired upon by Israeli forces, according to UN Human Rights Office reports.
The Israeli military insists it only uses warning shots. Private contractors for aid groups like GHF claim they use pepper spray or fire into the air to prevent deadly stampedes.
What’s Next for Gaza?
The decision to expand Israel’s presence in Gaza could deepen the country’s international isolation. Many nations and human rights organizations have called for restraint and a return to diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s future remains uncertain. The possibility of governance by Arab states under Israeli oversight is controversial and has yet to gain regional support.
Conclusion
Israel’s latest plan marks a turning point in the prolonged conflict. While it aims to eradicate Hamas and ensure national security, the cost—measured in lives, regional stability, and global opinion—continues to rise.
As both sides harden their positions, civilians bear the brunt. Humanitarian corridors, ceasefire negotiations, and hostage deals remain the only hope for relief in this devastating war.
