Netanyahu to Seek Security Cabinet Approval for Gaza City Offensive Amid International Concerns
Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet Thursday to discuss plans for a phased military operation to seize control of Gaza City, according to an Israeli official. This comes after a Tuesday meeting where netanyahu reportedly expressed support for occupying Gaza, even at the risk of endangering hostages held by Hamas.
The proposed offensive, initially focused on Gaza City – home to over one million residents – would involve a gradual takeover by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Plans also include securing refugee camps in central Gaza and areas where hostages are believed to be held. A second offensive phase is anticipated weeks later, alongside a stated intention to increase humanitarian aid to the territory.
The move is drawing sharp criticism internationally. Miroslav Jenča, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central asia and Americas, warned the U.N. Security Council earlier this week that such an operation would violate international law and is a “deeply alarming” prospect. Israeli media reports estimate the operation would require tens of thousands of soldiers.
Background: The Ongoing Conflict and Hostage Situation
The planned offensive is the latest progress in Israel’s ongoing military campaign launched in response to the October 7th attacks by hamas, which resulted in the seizure of hostages. Israel’s stated goal is to eradicate Hamas, but the conflict has resulted in a notable humanitarian crisis for Palestinian civilians, marked by widespread death, displacement, and increasingly, starvation.
The proposed occupation of Gaza is not without internal dissent within the Israeli goverment.Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, chief of staff for the IDF, reportedly cautioned Netanyahu during Tuesday’s meeting that occupying Gaza coudl be a strategic trap that further endangers the hostages.Netanyahu countered that a change in approach is necessary to secure their release.
Humanitarian Aid Delivery Under Scrutiny
Alongside military planning, efforts to deliver humanitarian aid are facing challenges and controversy. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, announced a planned expansion of distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a project backed by Israel and the United States.
However, the GHF has been heavily criticized by the United Nations and aid organizations for its chaotic operations, forcing Palestinians to travel long distances under dangerous conditions to access food. Numerous Palestinians have been killed in or around GHF distribution sites as May, with the Hamas-run health ministry and witnesses accusing the IDF of the shootings. The IDF denies targeting civilians, stating soldiers have fired warning shots to control crowds or respond to perceived threats.
This situation remains fluid and is subject to change as the security cabinet meets and makes its decision. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, with concerns focused on both the fate of the hostages and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
