Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to launch a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip- a move that has sparked concern within Israel’s military leadership and drawn condemnation from Hamas and the international community.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister held a “limited security discussion” lasting about three hours. During the meeting, Israel’s military Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, presented “options for continuing the campaign in Gaza.” However, the statement did not reveal any concrete war plans.
The prime minister's office added that the security cabinet would reconvene later in the week to approve new instructions, potentially including the proposed operation.
Netanyahu has insisted that Israel must “complete” the defeat of Hamas in Gaza to ensure the release of remaining hostages and eliminate future threats. Speaking during a visit to an army training facility, he said the aim was to guarantee that Gaza “will no longer pose a threat to Israel.”
However, the proposed plan reportedly includes military action even in areas where hostages are believed to be held a strategy that has raised alarm within Israel’s own security establishment.
Despite internal dissent, Netanyahu is expected to seek formal approval for the plan in the coming days.
Global reaction and humanitarian concerns
International criticism has intensified. At the UN Security Council, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca warned that a full military occupation of Gaza could result in “catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians” and further endanger the hostages.
In response to the reports, Hamas firmly rejected the plan, stating it would not change the group’s position in ceasefire negotiations. A senior official told AFP that Hamas continues to demand a complete Israeli withdrawal and an end to the ongoing blockade and famine in the Gaza Strip.
Trump avoids direct stance, focuses on food aid
U.S. President Donald Trump declined to express support or opposition to the potential takeover. Instead, he highlighted his administration’s efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where 90 percent of the population around 2.1 million people are displaced.
“Well, I don't know what the suggestion is,” Trump said. “I know that we are there now trying to get people fed… $60 million was given by the United States fairly recently to supply food… I know Israel is going to help us with that in terms of distribution… the Arab States are going to help us… So that's what I'm focused on. As far as the rest of it, I really can't say that's going to be pretty much up to Israel.”
As Netanyahu prepares to bring the plan before his cabinet, the decision could mark a defining moment in the trajectory of the conflict with major implications for the region and beyond.
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