Jerusalem
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Israeli security ministers voted to expand the war in Gaza, marking a major escalation when they were exposed to intense domestic and international pressures to end the conflict.
The Cabinet has approved a plan to capture Gaza city north of its territory as part of Israel’s goal of destroying Hamas, which is held by extremists and saving hostages. However, this move only triggers further fights, putting prisoners at risk, exacerbating the already tragic humanitarian crisis.
The plan also brings it closer to Gaza, which fully occupys Israel, in almost 20 years.
Here’s what we know about decisions that may reconstruct the war in Gaza:
After the marathon session, Israeli security ministers voted to adopt what they call “Five Principles for Ending the War.”
These include the disarming of Hamas, the return of hostages held there, the demilitarization of enclaves, Israel’s security management in Gaza, and the final establishment of a civilian government that is neither Hamas nor internationally recognized Palestinian authority.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the five-month plan will take place in several stages, starting with the acquisition of Gaza City “while distributing humanitarian aid.”
According to Israeli sources, the deadline for the first phase, including Gaza city evacuation and expansion of aid distribution, is October 7th.
This plan means mobilizing thousands of soldiers who are already tired from months of fighting on the territory.
However, the PMO said, “The majority of the Cabinet believed that the alternative plans presented in the Cabinet would not achieve Hamas’ defeat or the revival of hostages.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News ahead of a meeting intended to take full military control of Gaza, but the announced plans focused and focused at least on Gaza city.
Netanyahu is against the hopes of many of the Israeli masses in promoting this plan, and is even a key voice in the military.
Protests broke out in Israel ahead of the security cabinet vote. The hostage family warned the government against the expansion of the military campaign, saying that Netanyahu is preparing for the “biggest deception of all” by insisting that Netanyahu can be released through military means.
Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, of which at least 20 are believed to be alive.
A group of mothers of Israeli soldiers also criticised the plan, saying it was fatal for hostages and Israeli soldiers.
Israeli polls consistently show the majority in favour of ending the conflict to ensure the release of prisoners.
Israeli military recommends pursuing diplomacy to end the war, fearing that expanded operations could seduce the army.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), warned of the dangers and international consequences of escalation that would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israeli sources added that his warnings were put aside.
Netanyahu supports his coalition and has received support from far-right members of his cabinet who are seeking a full acquisition of Gaza.
There has already been strong international criticism of the plan. British Prime Minister Kiel said expanding the battle would “just bring more bloodshed.” But the major Israeli allies are effectively given their approval by the United States.
Prior to the decision to expand Israeli war, Trump did not express any concerns. He said it would be “up to Israel” to capture the entire Gaza Strip, adding that he would like more assistance to enter the enclave.
The first phase of Israel’s plan, the capture of Gaza city – will involve forced evacuation of up to 1 million Palestinians to southern Gaza, almost half the territorial population.
The battle has already devastated Gaza, killing tens of thousands of people, and driving away almost the entire population.
A hunger crisis has taken over the Gaza Strip over the past few weeks as Israel has severely restricted aid entry, international aid groups ban activities there, and authorities report daily deaths from starvation.
The plan approved by the security cabinet foresees more aid distribution sites for the enclave. Israel and the United States will increase the number of aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-Assisted Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) that are being held by the controversial US and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to Israeli officials with knowledge of the proposal.
However, none of these new sites have been installed in Gaza City. It appears to be designed to leave by forcing hundreds of thousands of people to live there, robbing them of access to food.
UN Human Rights Director Volkal Talk warned on Friday that the city of Gaza’s acquisition would “contribute to greater forced evacuation, more murder, more unbearable suffering, meaningless destruction and cruelty.”
Hamas has condemned Israel’s plan to take over Gaza as a “full war crime” that comes at a “high cost.”
A statement by Netanyahu’s office avoided mention of Gaza’s occupation, which requires Israel to provide basic services to ensure population welfare under international law.
However, the plan assumes that Israel is ultimately fully “security control” on Gaza. The military already controls 75% of the territory, so seizures of Gaza City will bring Israel closer to full occupation.
Israel retracted settlers and thousands of troops from Gaza in 2005, and Hamas quickly came to power.
Not only does Netanyahu rule out Hamas’ role, but also gives little clues about Gaza’s long-term plans, so it is unclear whether expansion means Israel has a lasting presence on the territory.
Israel can take over Gaza militarily, but analysts say it has long-term costly and warned of long occupational complications.
However, ofer Guterman, a senior researcher at the Israeli National Security Institute, emphasized that occupation of the entire enclave is possible purely from a military perspective.
“We’ve done it before. We’ve been in Gaza for decades.”
