Plans for a complete military occupation of Gaza by Israel are under intense scrutiny amid concerns for hostages and civilians.
**Israeli Security Cabinet Convenes to Discuss Full Gaza Occupation Plans**
**Israeli Security Cabinet Convenes to Discuss Full Gaza Occupation Plans**
Israel's top ministers are set to evaluate a controversial military strategy with potentially dire ramifications.
The Israeli security cabinet is scheduled to convene today to deliberate on a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hamas: a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip. As the war persists, claims from Israeli media suggest that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views this strategy as the sole option to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages, particularly after recent ceasefire discussions failed.
The UN has raised alarms about the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise from such a takeover, with senior official Miroslav Jenča labeling the idea as deeply concerning and likely to breach international law. Currently, the Israeli military occupies approximately three-quarters of Gaza, a region already overwhelmed by the ongoing war, which has displaced the vast majority of its residents.
The security cabinet meeting is anticipated to occur at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT). Reports suggest that an increase in military personnel may be required to execute the takeover, focusing initially on Gaza City and refugee camps believed to harbor hostages. Following this initial phase, a second military offensive could be launched weeks later alongside an increase in humanitarian assistance.
US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, indicated a forthcoming enhancement in distribution efforts of humanitarian aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, the GHF has faced significant backlash from the UN and humanitarian organizations for its chaotic operations, which have reportedly resulted in casualties among civilians.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated alarmingly, aligning with UN assessments that recently highlighted widespread famine conditions. Patients suffering from food shortages and severe deprivation have emerged due to strict Israeli limitations on essential supplies, a measure Israel claims is aimed at weakening Hamas.
Netanyahu's intention to move forward with the occupation plan has reportedly led to friction with military leadership, with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir advocating for alternative strategies that would encircle Hamas without resorting to full occupation. Despite reservations voiced by some ministers, indications from Israeli media suggest a likelihood that the cabinet will endorse Netanyahu’s proposed course of action.
Families of the hostages, held since the onset of the war on October 7, express significant anxiety, fearing that an occupation might provoke Hamas to harm their loved ones. U.S. President Donald Trump has noted that the decision resides with Israel. The war kicked off after a Hamas attack in which around 1,200 individuals lost their lives and approximately 251 were taken hostage, contributing to the ongoing military response that has claimed the lives of over 61,000 Palestinians, according to reports from Gaza's health ministry.
The UN has raised alarms about the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise from such a takeover, with senior official Miroslav Jenča labeling the idea as deeply concerning and likely to breach international law. Currently, the Israeli military occupies approximately three-quarters of Gaza, a region already overwhelmed by the ongoing war, which has displaced the vast majority of its residents.
The security cabinet meeting is anticipated to occur at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT). Reports suggest that an increase in military personnel may be required to execute the takeover, focusing initially on Gaza City and refugee camps believed to harbor hostages. Following this initial phase, a second military offensive could be launched weeks later alongside an increase in humanitarian assistance.
US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, indicated a forthcoming enhancement in distribution efforts of humanitarian aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, the GHF has faced significant backlash from the UN and humanitarian organizations for its chaotic operations, which have reportedly resulted in casualties among civilians.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated alarmingly, aligning with UN assessments that recently highlighted widespread famine conditions. Patients suffering from food shortages and severe deprivation have emerged due to strict Israeli limitations on essential supplies, a measure Israel claims is aimed at weakening Hamas.
Netanyahu's intention to move forward with the occupation plan has reportedly led to friction with military leadership, with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir advocating for alternative strategies that would encircle Hamas without resorting to full occupation. Despite reservations voiced by some ministers, indications from Israeli media suggest a likelihood that the cabinet will endorse Netanyahu’s proposed course of action.
Families of the hostages, held since the onset of the war on October 7, express significant anxiety, fearing that an occupation might provoke Hamas to harm their loved ones. U.S. President Donald Trump has noted that the decision resides with Israel. The war kicked off after a Hamas attack in which around 1,200 individuals lost their lives and approximately 251 were taken hostage, contributing to the ongoing military response that has claimed the lives of over 61,000 Palestinians, according to reports from Gaza's health ministry.
