Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present a proposal for the complete reoccupation of the Gaza Strip during an upcoming security cabinet meeting, according to sources. The controversial plan, reportedly facing resistance from top military officials, would mark a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the region.
A senior official, speaking anonymously, claimed the decision was final, stating, “The path is set—we will take full control of Gaza and dismantle Hamas.” The remarks came amid reports that Israel’s military leadership opposes the strategy, with the same official bluntly suggesting dissenters should step down.
The proposal has sparked alarm among the families of hostages still held in Gaza, with estimates suggesting only 20 of the original 50 captives may still be alive. Public opinion in Israel appears divided, with recent polls indicating that a majority favor a ceasefire agreement to secure their release.
Internationally, key allies have warned against further military escalation, urging instead for humanitarian relief and a negotiated end to the conflict. Meanwhile, hundreds of retired Israeli security officials, including former intelligence chiefs, have called on global leaders to pressure Netanyahu to halt the war, arguing that continued military action only strengthens Hamas’s ideological influence.
The debate follows the collapse of recent ceasefire negotiations and the release of disturbing videos by Palestinian armed groups showing two Israeli hostages in visibly deteriorating health. The footage, depicting one hostage digging what he described as his own grave, has intensified domestic outrage.
If implemented, the reoccupation plan would extend Israeli military control over the entire Gaza Strip, including densely populated areas where over two million displaced Palestinians currently endure severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Aid organizations accuse Israel of obstructing critical humanitarian deliveries, exacerbating what the UN describes as catastrophic conditions.
The proposal has drawn sharp condemnation from Palestinian authorities, who warn of potential annexation and renewed settlement expansion—a scenario reminiscent of Israel’s pre-2005 presence in Gaza. The move also complicates international efforts to revive the two-state solution, as several Western nations signal openness to recognizing Palestinian statehood.
As Netanyahu prepares to meet with key ministers and military leaders, skepticism persists over the feasibility of the plan, with analysts highlighting the immense logistical and diplomatic challenges involved. Critics argue that the prime minister’s true objective may be prolonging the conflict rather than achieving a decisive resolution.
The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on southern Israel, has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 61,000 deaths in Gaza. The humanitarian toll continues to mount, fueling global calls for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts.
