Israel's Controversial Plan to Seize Control of Gaza City: An Overview

The Israeli security cabinet has approved a plan targeting Gaza City, aiming to disarm Hamas and establish security control, despite facing significant opposition and humanitarian concerns. Prime Minister Netanyahu's intentions remain ambiguous regarding broader occupation and control post-takeover.

Israel's security cabinet has officially approved a contentious plan to take control of Gaza City, a move seen as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Currently, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians find it increasingly difficult to secure basic necessities, including food, due to Israel's blockade and continuous military actions in the Gaza Strip. Gaza City, the most populous area in the enclave, has been central to Israel's military strategy as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at ambitions beyond the city itself, expressing a desire to eventually "hand it over to Arab forces."

The newly ratified plan includes several objectives, often summarized as a set of "five principles for ending the war." These principles aim for the disarmament of Hamas, the return of hostages (both living and deceased), the demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli control over the region, and the establishment of a civilian administration that is neither aligned with Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are prepared to move into Gaza City, while also pledging to offer humanitarian assistance to civilians in areas deemed safe from combat.

Interestingly, the focus on Gaza City arises amid a broader context where Netanyahu previously quoted aspirations for comprehensive control over the entire strip. Reports suggest that as of now, Israel occupies about 75% of Gaza territory, per its claims, while humanitarian estimates suggest a larger portion is under militarized control or current evacuation orders. The takeover of Gaza City, which hosts around one million residents, may set the stage for further Israeli actions across the Gaza Strip, according to various analysts.

Controversy surrounds the timing and method of the planned takeover. Israeli reports indicate that residents of Gaza City should be evacuated before military action begins, but specific timelines remain undisclosed. Witnessing criticism from both within Israel and the global community, including family members of hostages and military professionals, Netanyahu's proposals have come under scrutiny. Detractors have labeled the military escalation as a war crime and express fears over the humanitarian implications, which already echo through the ravaged territory.

Reactions globally echo a consensus calling for restraint, with leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticizing Israel's latest military initiative. The UN's human rights chief pressed for an immediate halt to the conflict, warning that continued hostilities could culminate in further violence and immense suffering.

While Netanyahu appears to suggest a nuanced post-takeover plan involving Arab forces, speculation abounds surrounding who these forces might be, particularly as Jordanian and Egyptian officials clarify their reluctance to partake in an Israeli-led occupation. How the situation unfolds in Gaza City remains shrouded in ambiguity, with Hamas yet to provide a response to this newly proposed strategy.