In a major development in the ongoing conflict, Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to seize control of Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, is part of a five-point strategy aimed at achieving Israeli security control over Gaza. The plan reportedly involves the deployment of an additional 25,000 reserve soldiers and has sparked widespread international criticism and concern.
The five principles outlined by the Prime Minister’s office for the plan are:
- The complete disarmament of Hamas.
- The release of all hostages.
- The demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
- Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip.
- The establishment of a new civilian administration that is not Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
This move has been met with strong condemnation from the international community, including the UN and several of Israel’s allies. The UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stated that the plan “must be immediately halted,” warning that a full-scale military takeover would have catastrophic consequences for the civilian population and exacerbate the already severe humanitarian crisis.
In response to the escalating situation, the UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting. The session was requested by several European members, including the UK, Denmark, France, Greece, and Slovenia, to address the potential fallout of Israel’s expanded military operations.
Concerns have also been raised within Israel. Families of the hostages have voiced fears that the plan to take over Gaza City could jeopardize the release of their loved ones. Israeli military leaders have also reportedly warned that the operation could further endanger the lives of the remaining captives.
