Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to seize control of Gaza City, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. This marks another escalation in the 22-month conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, devastated Gaza, and pushed the territory toward famine.
Before the security cabinet meeting that began Thursday and lasted through the night, Netanyahu had stated Israel intended to retake control of all Gaza and eventually transfer authority to friendly Arab forces opposed to Hamas. The approved plan falls short of this goal, possibly reflecting concerns raised by Israel’s top general, who reportedly warned it could endanger the remaining 20 or so hostages held by Hamas and further strain Israel’s military after nearly two years of regional fighting. Many hostage families also oppose the move, fearing it could jeopardize their loved ones’ lives.
The security cabinet’s decision still requires approval from the full cabinet, which may not convene until Sunday.
Despite repeated Israeli bombardments and raids, Gaza City remains one of the few areas not yet turned into an Israeli buffer zone or placed under evacuation orders. The new plan would involve sending ground troops into this remaining territory, which makes up about 25% of Gaza.
Israeli media reports suggest the operation is being framed as limited rather than a full invasion, apparently to address military leaders’ concerns about long-term occupation. The chief of staff reportedly warned that occupying Gaza could trap Israel in a prolonged insurgency with humanitarian responsibilities and increased risks to hostages.
A major ground operation could displace tens of thousands and further disrupt food deliveries to Gaza. The plan would force about 1 million Palestinians in Gaza City and surrounding areas to evacuate to southern Gaza, with the evacuation reportedly scheduled for completion by October 7.
The decision has sparked protests in Israel and internationally. Thousands are expected to demonstrate this weekend, while hostage families fear escalation could harm their loved ones. Former Israeli security officials have criticized the plan, warning of minimal military benefits. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it disastrous, predicting more deaths, massive costs, and diplomatic fallout.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Israel to reconsider, saying the move would only increase bloodshed without helping resolve the conflict or secure hostages’ release. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called for an immediate halt to the plan.
Netanyahu’s office stated the plan aims to defeat Hamas while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones. Earlier, an Israeli official said the security cabinet would discuss establishing control over Gaza.Israel is considering plans to take control of parts of Gaza not yet under its authority. An unnamed official, speaking before a formal decision is made, said any approved plan would be rolled out gradually to intensify pressure on Hamas.
Palestinians, 90% of whom have already been displaced at least once during the war—with nearly 10% injured in Israeli attacks—are preparing for more hardship. Gaza’s healthcare system is barely functioning, and aid groups like the UN have been largely blocked by Israel.
Aya Mohammad, a 30-year-old Palestinian who had returned to Gaza City with her family after multiple displacements, said: “Where should we go? We’ve been displaced and humiliated enough. Do you know what displacement means? Does the world understand? It strips away your dignity—you become homeless, begging for food, water, and medicine.”
On Thursday, at least 42 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shootings across southern Gaza, according to local hospitals.
In an interview with Fox News before the Security Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked if Israel would take full control of Gaza. He responded: “We intend to, for our security, remove Hamas and free the population from its grip. We don’t want to keep Gaza—we want a security perimeter. We aim to transfer governance to Arab forces who can manage it properly, without threatening Israel, and give Gazans a better life.”
Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israel’s military offensive has killed at least 61,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians. This figure does not include those still buried under rubble or those who died from war-related indirect causes.
